Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Gusty winds were a factor in the accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing on a remote lake in a float-equipped homebuilt airplane toward the east in calm wind conditions. After touchdown, the pilot retracted the flaperons, slowed to about 20 miles per hour, and was settling off the float step. A gust of wind struck the left side of the airplane and tilted the right wing down. The right wingtip contacted the water and the airplane rolled up onto the front of the right float assembly. The airplane then nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 17, 1996, about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped 1993 David Horton, Avid Flyer Mark IV, N3XP, crashed during landing on Pavlof Lake, about 9 miles northeast of Tenakee Springs, Alaska. The homebuilt airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that he was landing toward the east in calm wind conditions. After touch down, the pilot retracted the flaperons, slowed to about 20 miles per hour, and was settling off the float step. A gust of wind struck the left side of the airplane and tilted the right wing down. The right wing tip contacted the water and the airplane rolled up onto the front of the right float assembly. The airplane then nosed over. The airplane received damage to the right wing tip and ribs. -