Pilot Debrief

KRIPS JACK E JR KOLB MK III near Fowler, NY — 2013-07-17

Final reportERA13LA329
Sign in to save
Date
2013-07-17
Location
Fowler, NY, USA
Aircraft
KRIPS JACK E JR KOLB MK III
Registration
N175TS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a nose-down collision with water.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the experimental, amateur-built, amphibian airplane was seriously injured and could not recall the accident; however, he did remember that he intended to take off from the lake, circle it at 1,000 feet above ground level, and then land on the lake. A witness on the lake reported that the airplane was performing takeoffs and landings on the lake and that, during the approach for another landing, the nose dropped, and the airplane subsequently impacted the water. Examination of the wreckage confirmed flight control continuity and did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing when control was lost on final approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

Related mishaps