The pilot of the amphibious float-equipped airplane reported that during the initial climb from an airport runway, he was distracted by other airport traffic and forgot to retract the landing gear.
As he approached his destination, which was a lake near Emily, Minn., he stated he did not perform the before landing checklist as he usually does, and failed to notice that the landing gear was still down.
The pilot reported that his touchdown was smooth, but the airplane immediately nosed over and he felt “a fire hose of water” come through the windscreen.
After the airplane came to rest, he was submerged underwater, but was able to remain calm and slip out the pilot side window.
The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear, which resulted in a gear down water landing and a nose over.
NTSB Identification: GAA15CA222
This November 2013 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.
This is a old time problem area with Seabee operators, too. Complacency in the cockpit, usually entertaining the passengers.
Fleet wide, I suspect that the Seabee doesn’t have a higher percentate than any other amphibian. In fact, I would think it’s less. I would be interested in any stats if you have them.
Hi missed more than one “check list”
Sorry that posted before I was finished – surprisingly, many pilots don’t use a real “check list.” Manufactures seldom provide more than a procedural “do list” so it’s up to the pilot to develop a check list that will work for him/her. Even the famous “GUMP check” can work wonders. Do it after takeoff(airline pilot verify positive rate of climb and call out “positive rate-Gear UP!). Include your gear on before landing check when configuring the aircraft(down wind) and again on final prior to touchdown.
Cockpit complacency can kill!