Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot in command did not use the airplane checklist. A factor was his diverted attention to other mission related activities.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The amphibious airplane nosed over in the water after landing on the water with the wheels extended. The pilot said he had not used the airplane checklist because he was distracted and preoccupied by other mission related activities, such as radio communication, crosswinds, the weather, and his remaining fuel.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 2, 1993, at 1500 Alaska daylight time, an amphibious Cessna 208 airplane, N9526F, operated by MarkAir, Inc., nosed over after landing on the water with the wheels extended at Geographic Harbor, located about 75 miles west of Kodiak, Alaska. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The unscheduled domestic cargo flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 135, departed King Salmon, Alaska at 1426. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and a company VFR flight plan was filed. During a telephone conversation with the pilot shortly after the accident, he stated that he "just failed to use and comply with the airplanes checklist to ensure that the wheels were retracted for the water landing". He further stated that he was very distracted and preoccupied with several other mission related activities. -