PIPER PA-18-150
Lake Wales, FL, February 24, 2014
Event Information
| Date | February 24, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Lake Wales, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 27.81611, -81.57972 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | ERA14CA136 |
| Event ID | 20140227X34538 |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18-150 |
| Registration # | N9563P |
| Operator | SUPER CUB FLYERS INC |
| Owner | SUPER CUB FLYERS INC |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper flare during a water landing, which resulted in the wings contacting the water.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, he was practicing an engine out maneuver to a landing on the water. At 500 feet mean sea level, the pilot "cut" the engine power and turned the carburetor heat to full on. The pilot stated that as he neared the water, he started to flare when the left float grabbed the water first. According to the airplane owner/witness, the pilot made his approach too fast and too flat. The airplane impacted the water with the front right section of the landing float and the airplane cart-wheeled to the right.Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that both wings and the fuselage incurred substantial damage due to impact with the water. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.