Pilot Debrief

Aviat A1 near Plattsburgh, NY — 2020-07-02

Final reportERA20CA241
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Date
2020-07-02
Location
Plattsburgh, NY, USA
Airport
PBG
Aircraft
Aviat A1
Registration
N526MA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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.

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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