Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral/bank control during the landing in variable gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a water landing, "immediately upon touchdown, the tail came up to the right and the plane veered left." He added that he applied "hard left aileron," but the right wing tip impacted the water, and the airplane spun to a stop.
The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observation station 14 nautical miles northeast from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, wind from 170° at 6 knots. The pilot reported the wind was variable at 5 knots, gusting to 11 knots. He added that the landing direction was to the southeast.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA444 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Priest River, Idaho
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX SERIES 7
- N-number
- N302DM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2010
- 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.