# NTSB MIA94LA102: Cessna U206G, N5087R, Key West, FL, March 26, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 26, 1994, 10:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Key West, FL
- Coordinates: 24.549404, -81.779991 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=24.5494&lon=-81.7800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37512
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA102
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37512/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA102

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO ENSURE THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT AN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE ABOVE THE WATER BEFORE INITIATING A TURN WHICH RESULTED IN THE RIGHT FLOAT CONTACTING THE WATER DURING THE TURN AND THE AIRCRAFT CARTWHEELING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - water,glassy
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot stated the aircraft performance was sluggish for the weight conditions during the takeoff run and initial climb from a channel. After takeoff the aircraft had a shallow rate of climb and as they approached land they encountered glassy water and a downdraft. As he initiated a right turn to remain over water the right float contacted the water and the aircraft cartwheeled and came to rest inverted in the water.

## Factual narrative

On March 26, 1994, about 1045 eastern standard time, a Cessna U206G, N5087R, registered to Key West Seaplane Service, Inc., crashed during takeoff at Key West, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the airline transport-rated pilot and three passengers received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated the aircraft felt "sluggish" as it accelerated for takeoff. After liftoff the aircraft continued to feel sluggish. The altimeter read 100 feet and the aircraft had a shallow rate of climb. As they flew near shore they encountered glassy water and a down draft from from being on the leeside of a land fill. A right turn was initiated to remain over water at which time the right float contacted the water and the aircraft cartwheeled and came to rest inverted in the water.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5087R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5087R-2013-03-21), registration cancelled 2013-03-21, S/N U20606811, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA U206G
- Registry model: [Cessna U206G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-u206g) (registry code 2073356) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: U20606811
- Airframe hours: 7799
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-F 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Key West Seaplane Service, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 1, 1994, 99 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, multi-engine sea, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 7,500 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 7,000 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EYW, 2 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 19940326006639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940326006639A), Mar 26, 1994: Cessna U206G, Key West, FL, Substantial damage. Reported sluggish on water takeoff. Circled low over glassy water right float hit water. Cartwheeled. No anomalies.

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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