Aviat Aircraft, Inc. A-1B N715SB accident near Ely, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the amphibious airplane during the water landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the accident occurred when he was making water landings in the amphibious airplane. He stated that he noted no anomalies during his first landing. He said the lake surface had “light ripples,” and the wind speed was less than 5 knots. The pilot stated that his second landing approach and touchdown were also initially uneventful; however, shortly after the airplane touched down, it began to roll and yaw toward the left, and the left wing contacted the water. The airplane came to rest partially submerged, nose-low, in the lake. An examination of the recovered wreckage revealed substantial damage to several float struts and spreader bars; however, all examined component damage was consistent with overstress, with no preexisting material defects observed. Because the damage to the amphibious float components occurred during the accident, they likely did not contribute to the initial loss of control. Therefore, given the pilot's report of light wind, the pilot should have been able to maintain airplane control throughout the water landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA374 for the full record.