Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot misjudged the flare and inadvertently dragged the right sponson in the water. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model aircraft.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 17, 1998, at 1445 central daylight time, a Lake LA4-200, N80026, was substantially damaged when the right wingtip struck the water during a crosswind water landing. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had departed from Marinette, Wisconsin, and was making a water landing on the Peshtigo River, near Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
In a phone conversation, the pilot reported that he looked over the area before he landed and did not see anything in the water and did not see anything off the right side. He reported that the right wing caught the water. He reported, "I think it was the glassy water...and I thought I was higher than I was." He reported, "...the wing hit the water and ground looped on me."
The pilot reported that he had 19 hours in make and model aircraft.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI98LA207