Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing flare.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 13, 2002, about 1052 eastern daylight time, an amateur built Champion II floatplane, N7072X, was substantially damaged while landing on Mirimichi Lake, Foxboro, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot stated that he departed Middleboro, Massachusetts, about 1000. About 1052, he was attempting to land on Mirimichi Lake with a headwind. When the floatplane was approximately 1 foot above the water, a light gust of wind lifted the left wing. The pilot did not to correct for the wind, and the right float contacted the water. The floatplane subsequently flipped over and sank. The pilot did not report any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions with the floatplane.
Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the floats, wings, and fuselage.
The reported wind at an airport approximately 10 miles north of the accident site, at 1053, was from 190 degrees at 4 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC02LA163