Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to lower the landing gear before touchdown.
NTSB analysis
At the conclusion of the local test flight of the experimental amateur-built amphibious airplane, the pilot arrived back in the airport traffic pattern for landing. After receiving clearance to land, he arrived over the runway, reduced power and flared for landing, realizing that he had not extended the landing gear when he heard the hull contact the runway. The airplane skidded to a stop resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage/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 ERA25LA131 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 25, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Miami, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Miami Exec (TMB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AQUA-BEE
- N-number
- N799RX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2020
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.