Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1B N71JA accident near Tomahawk Lake, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in the airplane’s hard landing and nose over after the water landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a personal flight in the float-equipped airplane and was landing on a lake with the wheels and water rudders up. The pilot stated that the winds were calm to 6 knots and that the water surface exhibited some minor ripples. The landing was made toward the northwest, with the flaps retracted, at a landing speed of 70-80 mph. The pilot did not recall the touchdown. A witness reported seeing the airplane come within 5 ft of the lake surface, then climb to 15 ft above the lake before it descended and touched down on the lake. The witness stated that the airplane nosed over shortly after it touched down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the support struts. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane during the flight. Based on available weather data, the pilot likely landed with a 3-4 kt tailwind. However, the pilot should have been able to adequately respond to the slight tailwind during landing. Given the available information, the pilot likely did not maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in the airplane's hard landing and nose over.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA204 for the full record.