# NTSB CHI06CA197: Cessna 206H, N52728, Lutsen, MN, July 22, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: July 22, 2006, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Lutsen, MN
- Coordinates: 47.816387, -90.383331
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8164&lon=-90.3833&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Minneapolis, MN, FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 64331
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA197
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64331/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA197

## Probable cause

The unsuitable terrain the pilot encountered during takeoff in rough water.  A factor was the wave in the rough water.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The amphibian airplane sustained substantial damage during takeoff when its float encountered a wave.  The pilot stated, "As airspeed increased, the aircraft encountered slightly larger waves and as airspeed approached rotation speed, began hitting the crests of the waves.  Just before rotation, a snap was heard and takeoff was immediately aborted.  As the aircraft quickly decelerated, the front pilot side float strut pierced through the fuselage by pilot rudder pedals and the whole float assembly collapsed."

## Factual narrative

The amphibian airplane sustained substantial damage during takeoff when its float encountered a wave.  The pilot stated, "As airspeed increased, the aircraft encountered slightly larger waves and as airspeed approached rotation speed, began hitting the crests of the waves.  Just before rotation, a snap was heard and takeoff was immediately aborted.  As the aircraft quickly decelerated, the front pilot side float strut pierced through the fuselage by pilot rudder pedals and the whole float assembly collapsed."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N52728](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N52728-2007-08-10), registration cancelled 2007-08-10, S/N 20608185, built 2002 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 206H
- Registry model: [Cessna 206H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-206h) (registry code 2073301) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20608185
- Airframe hours: 565
- Engines: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Weidendorf Investments LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 2005
- Departed: Lutsen, MN
- Destination: Ontario
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 1, 2006; seat: left; flight hours: 2,100 total, 1,100 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.09 inHg
- Observed at: CKC

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20060722015099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060722015099A), Jul 22, 2006: Cessna 206H, Lutsen, MN, Destroyed. (-23) While in the take-off phase from a bay toward open water on lake superior, MN the front of the left float hit a wave; the float and strut collapsed…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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