N4631UCessna 180G · 1963

On October 4, 2024, about 1730 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N4631U, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Big Lake, Alaska. The pilot was fatally injured, and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight.

According to the passenger, the airplane was departing from East Butterfly Lake, near Big Lake for a return flight to the Lake Hood Seaplane Base (LHD), Anchorage, Alaska. The passenger reported that just before starting their northerly takeoff run, strong, gusty, variable wind conditions prevailed.

During takeoff from the lake, as the airplane passed low over an area of tree-covered terrain, a sudden gust of wind pushed the airplane towards the trees. The airplane’s right wing subsequently collided with a stand of tall trees, and the airplane came to rest inverted in the lake, partially submerged (See figure 1).

Figure 1. Accident airplane, N4631U, at the accident site. (Alaska State Trooper Photo)

A detailed wreckage examination is pending after the airplane is recovered from the waters of East Butterfly Lake.

The private certificated pilot was practicing touch and go landings under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The pilot said he failed to maintain directional control during landing, and the airplane swerved to the left, striking the right wing on the ground. The airplane sustained damage to the right wing leading edge and ribs. He said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.