N2048U

On September 3, 1997, about 2100 Alaska daylight time, a Maule ML-4-220C float equipped airplane, N2048U, sustained substantial damage during landing on Kiokluk Mountain Lake, 42 miles southeast of Aniak, Alaska. The commercial certificated pilot, and one passenger were uninjured. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, as a personal flight to hunt. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was filed with the pilot's wife.

During a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator on September 4, 1997, immediately after rescue, the pilot stated that during landing, with the airplane still moving, the airplane "skipped sideways, but remained upright." The right float attachment separated. The right wing subsequently contacted the water, and the propeller contacted the floats

A review of FAA pilot certification records revealed that the pilot did not hold a seaplane rating on his pilot certificate. The pilot stated to the NTSB investigator on September 4, 1997, that he had accumulated approximately fifty hours of flight time in float planes. During this same interview, the pilot related that the passenger was a nonpilot relative.

The pilot did not return the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot-Operator Report to the investigator as requested.

Examination of the airplane by an FAA airworthiness inspector confirmed substantial damage to the right wing, fuselage, and floats. The reason for the initial float separation was not determined.