Accident Cessna 180A N9732B, Sunday 6 May 2001

You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.

Date:	Sunday 6 May 2001
Time:	13:45 LT
Type:	Cessna 180A
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N9732B
MSN:	18050030
Total airframe hrs:	5348 hours
Engine model:	Continental O-470-K17F
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Mercer Island, WA - United States of America
Phase:	Landing
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Roche Harbor, WA (9S1)
Destination airport:	Mercer Island, WA
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
After circling the area to observe the water conditions, the pilot executed a water landing in his float-equipped airplane. He touched down in relatively calm conditions, but almost immediately encountered a large wave/swell that he had not noticed from the air. The aircraft was momentarily launched back into the air, and the pilot applied full power for a go-around. Although the pilot initiated a go-around, the aircraft had already slowed to a point where it could not maintain flight. It therefore dropped back to the surface of the water with sufficient force to cause substantial damage to the aircraft structure.

Probable Cause: the pilot's inadequate visual lookout during an approach and landing in open water. Factors include a large wave/swell at the location where the pilot elected to land his float-equipped airplane.

Accident investigation: