Summary
On July 24, 2011, a Cessna 180D (N6425X) was involved in an incident near Oscoda, MI. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear before a water landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use a checklist.
The pilot reported that he was intending to practice water landings in the amphibian float-equipped airplane; however, he neglected to raise the wheels after the initial takeoff from a paved runway. During approach for the first water landing at a large nearby pond, he did not notice that the wheels were still extended. The airplane subsequently nosed over when he attempted the water landing. He was not injured exiting the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings during the accident sequence. He reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident. He added that he needs to be more dedicated to checklists in the future.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA518. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6425X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear before a water landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use a checklist.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was intending to practice water landings in the amphibian float-equipped airplane; however, he neglected to raise the wheels after the initial takeoff from a paved runway. During approach for the first water landing at a large nearby pond, he did not notice that the wheels were still extended. The airplane subsequently nosed over when he attempted the water landing. He was not injured exiting the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings during the accident sequence. He reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident. He added that he needs to be more dedicated to checklists in the future.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA518