Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while water taxiing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to compensate for the wind condition and a tailwind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after landing the float-equipped airplane in the water, and while on the step with a 7 to 10 knot, 45 to 50 degree left crosswind, the wind "sheared" to a [left] quartering tailwind. After veering to the left the pilot applied "strong" right rudder to counter the left yaw. The airplane's right wing tip subsequently struck the water, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and right aileron.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA171 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 4, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kenmore, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Kenmore Air Harbor Inc Spb (S60)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
De Havilland Beaver DHC-2 MK.1
- N-number
- N53BV
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.