This December 2007 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.
Aircraft: Maule M-7-235. Location: Key Largo, Fla. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot of a float-equipped Maule M-7-235 noted a rain squall in the area of his planned water landing so decided to land a half-mile to the northeast, into the wind. Upon touchdown, a gust lifted the right wing and he was unable to regain control of the airplane. 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 hit 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: The pilot’s loss of control during the landing. The wind gust was a factor.
For more information: NTSB.gov
