N70LB

On July 6, 2003, at 1039 eastern daylight time, a Maule MX-7-235 amphibian, N70LB, was substantially damaged while landing on the Allegheny River, in East Brady, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight which originated at Butler County Airport (BTP), Butler, Pennsylvania, and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, he set up for the river landing by first circling the touchdown zone twice to check for obstacles, and waiting for boat traffic to clear. He maintained an airspeed of about 75 knots during the approach, and slowed to an estimated 60 knots just above the water. During the touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the pilot added power to cushion the landing. The airplane touched down on the water on its left float, bounced onto its right float, and then again on its left float. During the last bounce, the left strut impacted the fuselage, and the airplane came to rest on the shore of the river.

The pilot reported 651 hours of total flight experience, 30 of which were in make and model.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to both pontoons, both wings, the engine cowling, and the propeller. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airplane.

Weather reported at the Venango Regional Airport (FKL), Franklin, Pennsylvania, 25 miles northeast of the accident site, at 1035, included calm winds and unlimited visibility.