NTSB Factual Report

On August 13, 2004, about 1320 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna U206G, N9752Z, sustained substantial damage after striking powerlines while on final approach to Killkarney Lake, located approximately 5 nautical miles southwest of Rose Lake, Idaho. The airplane was registered to and operated by Brooks Seaplane Services, Inc., of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The commercial pilot and his two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the on-demand charter flight, which was operated under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that prior to the approach and landing he flew over the area at approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL) to determine the direction of the wind and to look for logs and debris in the lake. The pilot stated that he was approaching the north end of the lake on a southerly heading and near the lake's edge at approximately 50 feet AGL when he saw the wires. The pilot reported that he immediately added full power to raise the nose when the top wire went over the top of the floats, catching the float struts. The pilot stated that the wire broke off the right side but was still entangled on the left side, pulling the airplane down. The pilot reported that he then pulled the nose up before impacting the water. Damage to the aircraft included the left hand front door frame post being cracked, the upper top cabin skin wrinkled, and the left hand cabin bulkhead bent.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the powerlines on final approach which resulted in a hard landing. A factor contributing the to accident were the powerlines.