Cessna U206-F | N8255Q

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot encountered a reduction or loss of thrust after takeoff from the gravel bar, and the pilot did attempt to bank hard and return to the same landing surface. The aircraft stalled and rolled to the right during the return attempt. After the pilot finished refueling, witnesses reported that the airplane departed to the northwest, and just after takeoff, they heard the engine “sputtering” they turned back towards the airplane and saw it abruptly bank hard to the right and the right wing subsequently impacted the water. The airplane cartwheeled into the river, spinning about 270° before becoming partially submerged.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel as a result of the pilot’s inadequate
preflight inspection. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to ensure
replacement filters were available for use during refueling operations.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of al aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to be able to respond properly and quickly in the time of crisis. Do not try to make it back! Go Straight ahead. Land the plane. Open the door. Step out. Take the easy solution. The impossible turn is still impossible.