Pilot Debrief

AIRMAX CONSTRUCOES AERONAUTICA SEAMAX-M22 near New Fairfield, CT — 2017-09-15

Final reportERA17LA337
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Date
2017-09-15
Location
New Fairfield, CT, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
AIRMAX CONSTRUCOES AERONAUTICA SEAMAX-M22
Registration
N885PR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

Collision with a submerged object during a water landing.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that he performed a fly-by of the lake he intended to land on to ensure that there were no boats or obstacles in the water. Seeing none and observing calm conditions, he conducted the landing, during which the airplane impacted a submerged object. The impact compromised the hull allowing water to enter, and the airplane subsequently sank. Pine and bark debris was found in the damaged area of the hull. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a more thorough inspection of the landing area.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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