ANCHORAGE, AK, USA
N756YJ
CESSNA 206
AT THE CONCLUSION OF FISHING, THE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE PREPARING TO DEPART A REMOTE RIVER IN A FLOAT EQUIPPED AIRPLANE. THE PILOT PERFORMED A STEP TAXI IN PREPARATION FOR TAKEOFF. DUE TO LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS AND SHADOWS, THE PILOT DID NOT SEE A SMALL SANDBAR. THE FLOATS OF THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE SANDBAR, AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER.
On August 17, 1995, about 2200 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Cessna 206, N756YJ, crashed while taxiing for takeoff on the Beluga River, about 32 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated airline transport pilot and 2 passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that at the conclusion of fishing, he was performing a step taxi in preparation for takeoff. Due to low light conditions and shadows, the pilot did not see a small sandbar. The floats of the airplane struck the sandbar and the airplane nosed over. The airplane received damage to the wings, tail cone, and the vertical and horizontal stabilizers.
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR OBSTACLES. THE LOW LIGHT CONDITION AT DUSK WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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