Pilot Debrief

AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-200 near Hawthorne, FL — 2025-12-20

Final reportERA26LA075
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Date
2025-12-20
Location
Hawthorne, FL, USA
Aircraft
AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-200
Registration
N656B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate for a glassy water landing, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to depart from a paved airport in the amphibious airplane and fly to a nearby lake and land. The pilot overflew the lake and noticed the water appeared to be “glassy” in sections. During touchdown, the airplane landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to its wings and fuselage. The airplane came to rest, partially submerged, in the lake. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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