Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in abnormal contact with the water during landing.
NTSB analysis
The non-certificated pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that he was approaching a river for landing “too fast,” and that during the touchdown on the water he did not “have the yoke pulled back enough.” When he fully released the control yoke, and the airplane’s nose immediately pitched down into the water, resulting in substantial damage to the fiberglass hull. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA272 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 21, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sopchoppy, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Ochlockonee River (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SEAREY
- N-number
- N425UW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2012
- 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.