Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate flare during landing on water with a glassy condition, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was attempting to land the airplane on a lake and that he misjudged the height of the airplane above the water, which he described as "glassy." During the touchdown, the left float "dug in," and the airplane subsequently nosed over. It is likely that the glassy water conditions adversely affected the pilot's depth perception, which led to his subsequent failure to judge the height above the water.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 4, 2014, about 1230 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Campbell Super Bearhawk, CFBCA, nosed over during landing on Lake George near Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The recreational pilot was uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that was not operating on a flight plan. The flight departed from the Ste Marie River at 1145, and was destined for Lake George near Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The pilot reported that he was attempting a landing on Lake George when he misjudged the height of the airplane above the water, which he described as glassy. During the touchdown, the left float "dug in" and the airplane nosed over.