Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly configure the landing gear before performing a water landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the amphibious experimental airplane reported that, after takeoff from a runway, he became distracted and forgot to retract the landing gear. He then flew the airplane to a river; during the approach for landing, he announced that the gear was retracted but did not visually confirm it, and the airplane subsequently landed in the river with the landing gear extended. After touchdown, the airplane immediately nosed down and partially sank.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA054 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 2, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sacramento, California
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SEAREY
- N-number
- N24YD
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.