BAUER THOMAS G KITFOX III
Bumpass, VA — December 20, 2014
Event Information
| Date | December 20, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA15CA080 |
| Event ID | 20141224X94026 |
| Location | Bumpass, VA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.95993, -77.72968 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | BAUER THOMAS G |
| Model | KITFOX III |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper flare during a water landing.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot he and his passenger departed from a lake marina on a local flight to conduct water take offs and landings. The flight was uneventful, but during the landing approach, the pilot reported that he misjudged the flare height due to the lack of visual reference on the water surface. He flared the airplane high and subsequently landed hard. Post-accident investigation revealed that the left forward float strut attachment point and lower left frame tube was sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact 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.