A small seaplane that crashed into Lake Meridian and killed the pilot in August had its landing gear down when it should have been retracted for a water landing.
“According to multiple witnesses, the amphibious float equipped airplane was seen approaching the lake from the northwest to land on the lake on a southeasterly heading,” according to the preliminary crash report issued Sept. 14 by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). “They reported that the approach appeared normal, however, the landing gear could be seen in the extended position.
“As the floats were about to touch down on the surface of the water, the airplane abruptly nosed over, and came to rest inverted, partially submerged within the lake.”
Pilot Alan L. Williams, 74, of Kent, who was alone on the plane, died Aug. 29 from injuries suffered in the 10:10 a.m. Aug. 24 crash of a Cessna A185F.
“Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the landing gear was in the extended position,” according to the NTSB report. “The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.”
The plane was substantially damaged, according to the report. The plane departed Norman Grier Field in Kent on a personal flight at about 10:05 a.m. and flew northwest toward Lake Meridian. The data depicted the airplane approached the lake from the north-northwest. The last recorded Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data point was over the northwestern area of the lake about 5 minutes after the time of takeoff.
NTSB noted that the information is preliminary and subject to change. The preliminary report contained factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12 to 24 months, according to NTSB.
A Kent resident and former pilot reached out to the Kent Reporter shortly after seeing an article and photo about the plane crash. He wrote in an email that he could tell by the photo the landing gear should have been retracted for a water landing.
The seaplane had landing gear along with floats to make it possible to land on hard surfaces and runways as well.
Firefighters responded at about 10:09 a.m. Aug. 24 to reports of a plane upside down in the lake. Lake Meridian Park is at 14800 SE 272nd St. Williams lived in the Lake Meridian neighborhood.
Two firefighters, a Kent Police officer and two community members entered the water to rescue Williams. Firefighters were able to remove Williams within 20 minutes from the time of dispatch, according to a Puget Sound Fire spokesperson.
Firefighters and paramedics performed lifesaving treatment on Williams, including CPR at the scene, prior to medics taking him to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he later died.
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