Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land in an area of low visibility and ground fog, which resulted in collision with water.
NTSB analysis
While maneuvering at low altitude for a water landing, the commercial pilot of the float-equipped airplane encountered low visibility due to ground fog. The pilot initiated a go-around, but the airplane impacted the water, bounced, and impacted the water a second time before coming to rest upright. The airplane subsequently sank and was not recovered. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The operator further reported that other company pilots who were flying on the day of the accident stated that the low visibility conditions were easily avoided by a slight course deviation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA189 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 30, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lopez Island, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Fishermans Bay (81W)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland BEAVER DHC 2 MK.1
- N-number
- N6781L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.