Aircraft: Sportsman 2+2. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Kimerling, Mo. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The float-equipped airplane was observed flying low over the lake, then appeared to make an attempt to land on the water.
Witnesses said the engine sounded as if it was operating normally but that the airplane never leveled off before it touched down. The airplane hit the water, cart-wheeled, and came to rest upside down.
Examination of the airplane revealed that the landing gear was in the fully retracted position, consistent with a water landing configuration. There were no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate flare, which resulted in the airplane crashing into the water.
NTSB Identification: CEN12LA187
This March 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
any one who gets a float rating learns about glassy water conditions and landings, sounds like a rushed approach that ended badly.
I am sure the pilot knew how to land a plane. He might have been trying to land on glassy smooth water and was unable to determine his height above the water. I understand that it can be very difficult to tell where the surface is under those conditions.
Indeed it does read a lot like a “glassy water” accident. The wind was reported nearby as nine knots, but what was the geography of the lake? The surface could still be calm despite the lake. I have not flown on floats, but I do ski-fly and landing on a frozen lake in “flat” light it is very difficult to judge your height.
THE BEST WAY TO LAND ANY AIRCRAFT IS IN A NOSE HIGH, {FULL STALL} ATTITUDE.,LAND OR SEA. BEEN THERE , DONE THAT, 15000 ACCIDENT FREE GENERAL AVIATION HOURS IN 139 DIFFERENT MAKES AND MODELS LAND AND SEA