Amateur-built SEAREY N124AL accident near Welaka, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s incorrect pitch input during a water landing, which resulted in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate training and experience in the make and model airplane.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot in the experimental, amateur-built, amphibious airplane, during a water landing he "decided that the nose was slightly high." He applied forward pressure on the control stick, the nose pitched down, and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward right-wing lift strut and windshield.

The pilot noted that he had accumulated 3.8 hours of flight time in the accident airplane make and model. He asserted that more pilot training in the airplane make and model could have prevented the accident.

The pilot held a Federal Aviation Administration private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. He did not possess an airplane single-engine sea rating.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA212 for the full record.