Probable cause
Collision with a submerged object during a water landing.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that he performed a fly-by of the lake he intended to land on to ensure that there were no boats or obstacles in the water. Seeing none and observing calm conditions, he conducted the landing, during which the airplane impacted a submerged object. The impact compromised the hull allowing water to enter, and the airplane subsequently sank. Pine and bark debris was found in the damaged area of the hull. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17LA337 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 15, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Fairfield, Connecticut
- Nearest airport
- Lake (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
SEAMAX-M22
- N-number
- N885PR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.