Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear of the amphibious airplane prior to a water landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the amphibious airplane intended to practice water and touch-and-go landings at his home airport and the river that surrounded it. While maneuvering for a water landing, the pilot did not verify the airplane’s landing gear position and landed on the water with the landing gear extended. The airplane nosed over, sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.