Probable cause
The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The non-certificated pilot was attempting to land the amphibious airplane on a river. During the landing attempt the airplane bounced, and during the second touchdown the airplane pitched nose down and ultimately nosed over into the water. The airplane subsequently “broke apart” and sank in the river, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. In his initial statement to local law enforcement, the pilot did not state that there were any preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He did not respond to subsequent requests for clarifying information.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA390 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 19, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sopchoppy, Florida
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
BUCCANEER BIIB
- N-number
- N1206J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2019
- 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.