PIPER PA-18A-150
Gunthersville, AL — September 6, 2014
Event Information
| Date | September 6, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA14CA431 |
| Event ID | 20140910X60426 |
| Location | Gunthersville, AL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.38167, -86.24917 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18A-150 |
| 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 failure to retract the landing gear wheels prior to a water landing, resulting in a nose over upon touchdown.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, he was performing both water and pavement touch-and-go landings in his amphibious airplane. On final approach for a water landing, he observed a jet ski come out of a slew area and his attention was drawn to it. Upon landing, "I found myself inverted." Federal Aviation Administration inspectors responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The landing gear and the cockpit-mounted landing gear switch were found in the down (extended) positions. A cockpit placard was installed, that stated, "DO NOT LAND ON WATER UNLESS GEAR IS FULLY RETRACTED." 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.