20220823014999A

On August 23, 2022, a Cessna 180 seaplane N6455X impacted the water resulting from a loss of control during takeoff from Egegik river lagoon near becharof lake (approx 20 mi ese of Egegik, Alaska). The airline transport pilot (ATP) and three passengers escaped the aircraft without injury. The aircraft was destroyed.

The pilot stated he was performing the second takeoff of the day when the accident occurred. He stated the aircraft was properly loaded within center of gravity (CG) limits and was properly trimmed for takeoff. He estimated the wind during the previous water landing was 15 miles per hour and had increased to 20 miles per hour by the time the aircraft departed. He witnessed white cap waves on the water and stated he took off into the wind with no crosswind. He stated that shortly after liftoff from the water, a strong gust of wind caused the aircraft to roll sharply to the right and his corrective control inputs did not completely stop the roll. The right wingtip contacted the water surface and the aircraft then cartwheeled coming to rest inverted. The right wing was separated from the aircraft. The main wreckage of the aircraft sank in approximately six feet of water about 500 yards from shore. The pilot and three passengers escaped the aircraft through the left side cabin door and remained with the aircraft until another seaplane landed to offer assistance. The pilot estimated that he and the passengers were in the water for 45 minutes to one hour. The pilot and passengers were flown to a local fishing lodge following rescue. Due to the remote location of the aircraft, no FAA on-site examination of the wreckage was performed.