Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN09CA357

Garrison, MN, USA

Aircraft #1

N190BA

AVIAT A1

Analysis

The pilot reported that he attempted to land the float-equipped airplane on a lake with “glassy water” conditions. He made an approach to the lake where he could use the shoreline as a reference, and where some ripples on the surface of the lake made it possible for him to attempt a normal water landing. He reported that he “apparently” flew over the ripples. The nose of the right float hit the water first and the airplane started to porpoise. He pulled the nose up and added power to perform a go-around. He reported, “I believe the impact broke the right hand flying wires as the left wing dropped and that combined with the “P” factor turned the aircraft about 60 degrees to the left.” The airplane was approaching the shoreline so he cut the power. The airplane landed on the water and slid up the embankment with both wings impacting trees.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he attempted to land the float-equipped airplane on a lake with “glassy water” conditions. He made an approach to the lake where he could use the shoreline as a reference, and where some ripples on the surface of the lake made it possible for him to attempt a normal water landing. He reported that he “apparently” flew over the ripples. The nose of the right float hit the water first and the airplane started to porpoise. He pulled the nose up and added power to perform a go-around. The airplane was approaching the shoreline so he cut the power. The airplane landed on the water and slid up the embankment with both wings impacting trees causing substantial damage to the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing on the water and subsequent loss of control.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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