Cessna TU206G N682RC accident near Ballard, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot's precautionary water landing with partially extended landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the unidentified anomaly with the airplane's electrical system, which rendered the gear position indicator system inoperative.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that about 15 minutes after taking off from a runway in an amphibious airplane, all electrical power was lost. The pilot also observed that the fuel gauges indicated empty, and he became concerned about continuing his flight over populated areas. Therefore, he chose to make a precautionary water landing to a nearby marina to check his fuel state and investigate the electrical problem. Prior to landing, the pilot reported that he attempted to hand pump the landing gear up. He was able to visually confirm that both of the front gear were raised, however, due to the electrical failure, the gear position indicator was inoperative and he was unable to verify if the main gear were retracted. During the water landing, the left main aft gear was still extended and upon touchdown, the left pontoon lifted and the right wing tip impacted the water. The airplane pitched forward and nosed over. The reason for the electrical failure was not determined due to damage from the airplane's immersion in salt water.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA423 for the full record.