Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudged distance while step-taxiing after landing. Factors in the accident were rain showers, wind, and spray from the airplane's propeller.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After landing the float-equipped airplane on a remote lake, the pilot step-taxied the airplane to shore. He said that as the airplane approached the shoreline, he inadvertently misjudged the distance, and delayed decreasing engine power. The pilot said he was unable to stop the airplane prior to the floats colliding with the bank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. At the time of the accident, winds were reported to be out of the north at 10 knots, with gusts to 20 knots. The pilot noted that the wind, rain showers, and water spray from the airplane’s propeller contributed to his misjudgment of the distance to the shoreline.
Source record
Factual narrative
After landing the float-equipped airplane on a remote lake, the pilot step-taxied the airplane to shore. He said that as the airplane approached the shoreline, he inadvertently misjudged the distance, and delayed decreasing engine power. The pilot said he was unable to stop the airplane prior to the floats colliding with the bank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. At the time of the accident, winds were reported to be out of the north at 10 knots, with gusts to 20 knots. The pilot noted that the wind, rain showers, and water spray from the airplane’s propeller contributed to his misjudgment of the distance to the shoreline.