# NTSB ERA19LA156: Cessna 208, N366TA, Key West, FL, April 23, 2019 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: April 23, 2019, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Key West, FL - Coordinates: 24.665277, -82.863609 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=24.6653&lon=-82.8636&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 5 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 99306 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA19LA156 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/99306/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=99306 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA156 ## Probable cause The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff in rough sea conditions, resulting in damage to the floats and the sinking of the seaplane. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Landing gear system: wheel/ski/float](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023246): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 208, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023246/cases.md?model=2073702), [All aircraft, 48 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023246/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 208, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2073702), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface: choppy surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023030): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 208, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023030/cases.md?model=2073702), [All aircraft, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023030/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 208, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=2073702), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Cessna 208, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2073702), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot landed the seaplane into an easterly wind, then noticed that the surface wind was greater than forecast. Unable to taxi to the beaching location, he elected to return to his destination. He maneuvered the airplane into the wind and applied takeoff power. He described the takeoff run as "bumpy" and the water conditions as "rough." The pilot reported that the left float departed the airplane at rotation speed, and the airplane subsequently nosed into the water. The pilot and passengers were assisted by a nearby vessel and the airplane subsequently sank into 50 ft of water. Inclement sea and wind conditions prevented recovery of the wreckage for 52 days, and the wreckage was stored outside for an additional 13 days before recovery by the salvage company. Extensive saltwater corrosion prevented metallurgical examination of the landing gear components; however, no indication of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure was found. ## Factual narrative On April 23, 2019, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 208 amphibious airplane, N366TA, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Dry Tortugas National Park, about 58 miles west of Key West, Florida. The airline transport pilot and four passengers were not injured. The flight was operated by a private corporation as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed near the accident site, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, he landed into an easterly wind, north of the island. After landing, he noticed that the wind was greater than forecast, and he was unable to taxi to the beaching location. He elected to return to Key West International Airport (EYW). He maneuvered the airplane into the wind and applied takeoff power. He described the takeoff run as "bumpy." As the airplane reached rotation speed, the left float departed the airplane. The airplane then nosed into the water. The pilot assisted the passengers out of the airplane and into a life raft. The airplane sank about 30 seconds later. A National Park Service (NPS) vessel responded and assisted the pilot and passengers. In the NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot described the water conditions as "rough." The wreckage came to rest in about 50 ft of sea water. Examination of underwater photos provided by the NPS revealed that both landing gear floats were separated from their mounting structure; however, they were both located with the fuselage, partially attached by cables and broken structure. The upper surfaces of both floats exhibited structural deformation and tearing. Due to inclement sea and wind conditions, the wreckage remained on the sea floor for 52 days before it was recovered. After recovery, the wreckage was stored outside for 13 more days prior to being moved to a wreckage storage facility. Because of saltwater corrosion damage, failure analysis of the landing gear structural components could not be performed. Federal Aviation Administration Handbook 8083-23, Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations, addresses water effects on operations: "Even relatively small waves and swell can complicate seaplane operations. Takeoffs on rough water can subject the floats to hard pounding as they strike consecutive wave crests. Operating on the surface in rough conditions exposes the seaplane to forces that can potentially cause damage or, in some cases, overturn the seaplane." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N366TA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N366TA-2020-05-19), registration cancelled 2020-05-19, S/N 20800249, built 1996 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 208 (Undesignat) - Registry model: [Cessna 208](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-208) (registry code 2073702) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-canada-pt6a-114a) (registry code 52257, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 20800249 - Year built: 1996 - Airframe hours: 9506 - Engines: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A 675 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 16, 2019, 6 hours before - Departed: Key West, FL - Destination: EYW, Key West, FL - Equipment: Electronic multifunction display, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Handheld GPS, ADS-B, Stall warning system, Satellite tracking device, Onboard weather ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; injuries: none; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 30, 2019; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 2,407 total, 27 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 40° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 59 °F - Altimeter: 30.10 inHg - Observed at: EYW, 61 nm away ## 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 20190423003359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190423003359A), Apr 23, 2019: Cessna 208, Dry Tortugas Na, FL, Destroyed. Seaplane landed in water at dry Tortugas national park and marine sanctuary. Upon landing the pilot stated the wind was pushing the aircraft around and he… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 28, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=99306. 7.0 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 5.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40486384&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Excerpts - FAA Air Traffic Control Package (item 2, .PDF, 755 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40486385&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20-%20FAA%20Air%20Traffic%20Control%20Package%20-Master.PDF - NTSB Memorandum for Record - Gottshall (item 3, .PDF, 58 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40486386&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Gottshall-Master.PDF - NTSB Memorandum for Record - O'Shea (item 4, .PDF, 55 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40486387&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20O%27Shea-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 5, .PDF, 489 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40486388&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF - Excerpt - FAA Handbook 8083-23 (item 6, .PDF, 217 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40486389&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpt%20-%20FAA%20Handbook%208083-23-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.