Probable cause
The pilot's failure to complete the prelanding checklist, which resulted in the landing gear wheels not being retracted for the water landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was performing a touch-and-go landing on a lake in his float-equipped airplane. He said that the landing gear wheels on the floats were extended, so upon touchdown the wheels contacted the water and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that he did not complete the prelanding checklist to ensure that the landing gear wheels were retracted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA632 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 8, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Long Lake, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Long Lake
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper/Cub Crafters PA-18-150
- N-number
- N902CC
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.