Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to retract the landing gear prior to touchdown. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's diverted attention.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot made a touch-and-go water landing with the landing gear in the extended position. The airplane nosed over on touchdown. The pilot stated his attention was diverted by trying to locate a wooden float/raft on the water.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 21, 1995, at 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna TC206G amphibian, N9823Z, collided with the water on Myrtle Lake, eight miles east of Orr, Minnesota, while on a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot was not injured and the passenger received minor injuries. The flight originated from Orr, Minnesota, on August 21, 1995, at 1250 cdt. The pilot stated he intended to make a touch and go landing on the lake which is where his summer cabin is located. He stated that during the landing, his attention was diverted to "locating a small wooden float or raft which is anchored off shore from the resort... ." He stated he forgot to recheck the landing gear position and the airplane touched down on the water with the landing gear extended. This resulted in the airplane flipping over and sinking in the water. -