CESSNA 210
Bettles, AK — July 8, 2017
Event Information
| Date | July 8, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA474 |
| Event ID | 20170807X50445 |
| Location | Bettles, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 67.49944, -151.57584 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 210 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath during the approach to the runway over glassy water and in glaring sun conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he overflew a remote airstrip, which was bounded by a lake on the approach end. He added that he circled back to land, and during final approach he encountered "glassy water and bright sun." Subsequently, the airplane landed short of the runway in the lake and sunk.
The Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector who interviewed the pilot, reported that he stated, the sun and the reflection off the lake gave him the impression that the airplane was higher than it was.
The airplane sunk in more than 500 ft. of water and was not recovered.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.