N24YD

Substantial
Serious

David Jarrett SeareyS/N: 1DK427C

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
NTSB Number
LAX08CA220
Location
Ennis Lake, MT
Event ID
20080811X01217
Coordinates
45.500000, -111.500000
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear prior to landing on the water.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
DAVID JARRETT
Serial Number
1DK427C
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
SeareyAVAM
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
SEAREY

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HEZMALHALCH KEITH P
Address
2065 MOUNT VEEDER RD
City
NAPA
State / Zip Code
CA 94558-9562
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot initiated the accident flight from the Bozeman Airport. After departure, the pilot flew to his intended Ennis Lake destination, and he proceeded to land. The pilot made a normal approach and touchdown on the lake in his amphibious, experimental seaplane. The seaplane nosed over when the landing gear wheels came in contact with the water. The forward portion of the seaplane's fuselage was crushed, and the pilot was seriously injured. The pilot subsequently reported that during the accident flight he had not experienced any mechanical malfunction with his airplane, and he "had forgotten to retract the landing gear" prior to the water landing.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX08CA220