Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a low pass over a lake.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he descended to make a low pass over Pettit Lake. He noted that the clear weather condition with no wind impacted his depth perception as the lake surface appeared glassy. During the low pass over the water, the pilot misjudged his altitude above the lake, and the airplanes main landing gear contacted the water. The airplane then bounced and impacted the water a second time before it came to rest and sank.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that could have precluded normal operation.
The airplane was not recovered.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA036 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 13, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Owinza, Idaho
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N9493C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- Damage
- Unknown
- 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.