# NTSB SEA89LA055: Cessna TU206-G, N4957Z, Reno, NV, March 11, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 11, 1989, 14:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.480297, -119.740013 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4803&lon=-119.7400&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40985
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40985/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA055

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR CROSSWINDS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO LAND THE AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAFT IN STRONG CROSSWIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

STRONG GUSTING WINDS WERE PRESENT DURING THE LANDING SEQUENCE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS FLOAT-EQUIPPED. SHORTLY AFTER TOUCHDOWN, A GUST OF WIND OCCURRED. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO KEEP THE AIRCRAFT ON THE RUNWAY CENTERLINE. THE AIRCRAFT VEERED TO THE LEFT, OFF THE RUNWAY ONTO SOFT GROUND AND SAGE BRUSH WHERE THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4957Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4957Z), registered now, S/N U20606059 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA TU206-G
- Registry model: [Cessna TU206G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-tu206g) (registry code 2073357) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 420606059
- Airframe hours: 780
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-M 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert G. Marsh
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 22, 1988, 10 hours before
- Departed: RNO, RENO, NV
- Airport: NV18, Nevada Flyers Airport, runway 16, 4,600 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,600 total, 760 in this make and model, 2,600 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 35 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F

## 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 19890311003549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890311003549A), Mar 11, 1989: Cessna TU206G, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Tried to land in a severe gusty crosswind. Wind lifted a wing causing a flip over. Wind component vastly exceeded.

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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