Primary finding
Probable cause
The amphibious airplane's impact with a submerged object during a water landing, which resulted in a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the amphibious airplane stated that after a normal touchdown on a river, "5-10 seconds later we were upside down." The pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane into the water and a nearby boater came to their assistance. The pilot stated that he believed he struck a submerged object in the water. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), the right side of the airplane showed evidence that the airplane struck an object submerged in the water. The FAA ASI also reported that he was informed of numerous recreational boats striking debris near the accident site earlier in the day. The fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the amphibious airplane stated that after a normal touchdown on a river, "5-10 seconds later we were upside down." The pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane into the water and a nearby boater came to their assistance. The pilot stated that he believed he struck a submerged object in the water. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), the right side of the airplane showed evidence that the airplane struck an object submerged in the water. The FAA ASI also reported that he was informed of numerous recreational boats striking debris near the accident site earlier in the day. The fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.