Pilot Debrief

LOWERRE BRUCE T S 12-E near Pahokee, FL — 2013-09-27

Final reportERA13FA432
Sign in to save
Date
2013-09-27
Location
Pahokee, FL, USA
Aircraft
LOWERRE BRUCE T S 12-E
Registration
N220BL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

Undetermined because the wreckage was not recovered.

NTSB narrative

After takeoff, the flight proceeded to a lake, where during an unknown phase of flight, the amphibious airplane came to rest inverted and partially submerged with a portion of the right wing separated. There were no witnesses to the accident, and the airplane was found the following day. The aft section of the hull was above the water, and both main landing gear were submerged and not visible. The pilot was found still strapped into his seat, and his body was recovered. The outer portion of the airplane's right wing, which was found floating near the wreckage, was also recovered. An attempt to recover the airplane from the lake was made about one month after the accident; however, it could not be located. Examination of the separated section of the right wing revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Although a diver who helped recover the pilot's body reported that the airplane's landing gear was damaged, because the airplane was not recovered, no determination could be made as to the position of the landing gear at water contact.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not establish contact with air traffic control after takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 17 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents17