N9563P

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18-150S/N: 18-7609155

Accident Details

Date
Monday, February 24, 2014
NTSB Number
ERA14CA136
Location
Lake Wales, FL
Event ID
20140227X34538
Coordinates
27.816110, -81.579719
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare during a water landing, which resulted in the wings contacting the water.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7609155
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
TODD DOUG A
Address
2504 335TH AVE
City
DE WITT
State / Zip Code
IA 52742-9222
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he was practicing an engine out maneuver to a landing on the water. At 500 feet mean sea level, the pilot "cut" the engine power and turned the carburetor heat to full on. The pilot stated that as he neared the water, he started to flare when the left float grabbed the water first. According to the airplane owner/witness, the pilot made his approach too fast and too flat. The airplane impacted the water with the front right section of the landing float and the airplane cart-wheeled to the right.Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that both wings and the fuselage incurred substantial damage due to impact with the water. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA14CA136