N526MA

Substantial
None

Aviat A1S/N: 2142

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, July 2, 2020
NTSB Number
ERA20CA241
Location
Plattsburgh, NY
Event ID
20200702X70852
Coordinates
44.636112, -73.425277
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during a water landing after striking a boat wake, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AVIAT
Serial Number
2142
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
A-1B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BLUE SKY ADVENTURES LLC
Address
150 NARROW DR
City
HANOVER
State / Zip Code
PA 17331-8857
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he overflew the area of intended landing to check for water depth, wind direction, and verify that it was a suitable landing area. While on final approach to the water, a boat crossed underneath the airplane. As the airplane landed on the water, it struck the boat wake, which resulted in the airplane "skip[ping]" over the water. When the airplane impacted the water again, the front float struts collapsed resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA20CA241