Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary NYC08CA063

Key Largo, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N961PH

Maule M-7-235

Analysis

The pilot of a float-equipped Maule M-7-235 noted a rain squall in the "immediate area" of his planned water landing. The pilot decided to land 1/2 mile to the northeast, into a northeast wind. Upon touchdown, a wind gust lifted the right wing with more force than the pilot could counteract. The airplane's left float submerged, then separated, along with the strut, from the wing. The airplane spun to the left, and the right wingtip struck the water. The pilot reported about 350 hours of flight time, with 100 hours in model, and 75 to 100 water landings within the previous year.

Factual Information

According to the pilot of a float-equipped Maule M-7-235, there was a rain squall in the "immediate area" of his planned water landing. The pilot decided to land 1/2 mile to the northeast, into a northeast wind. Upon touchdown, a wind gust lifted the right wing with more force than the pilot could counteract. The airplane's left float submerged, then separated, along with the strut, from the wing. The airplane spun to the left, and the right wingtip struck the water. The pilot reported about 350 hours of flight time, with 100 hours in model, and 75 to 100 water landings within the previous year.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of control during the landing. Contributing was the wind gust.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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