Freedom S100 N4450E accident near Limestone, Alabama

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons while making a water landing.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was receiving 10 hours of transition training in the S-LSA seaplane from the pilot-rated passenger at the time of the accident. Witnesses stated that they did not see the accident but heard it; they then observed the airplane resting upside down in the water with one wing separated. Examination of the available wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact failures or malfunctions. Examination of the landing gear revealed that it was retracted and undamaged. The main landing gear doors were separated from the hull structure and the gear door's hooks were intact and undamaged. Examination of the right flap attachment actuator found it consistent with a 10- to 15- degree flap-down position. The final position on the global positioning system (GPS) unit found in the wreckage placed the airplane near the accident site. The last calculated velocity and direction of travel was 72 miles per hour (ground speed) with a course of 229 degrees true. Based on the GPS tracklog and the examination of the airplane, the pilot was likely making a water landing at the time of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08LA138 for the full record.