Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper descent rate, and the check pilot's inadequate supervision. The glassy water condition was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot receiving the check ride stated that he set up a 150 fpm descent rate to the glassy water. After touchdown, the airplane nosed over & came to rest inverted.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 13, 1994, about 0715 eastern daylight time, N8196G, a Cessna 172N float-equipped airplane, registered to Anthony Silvestri, nosed over while landing on Crescent Lake, Crescent City, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 private pilot check ride flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot receiving the check ride and FAA designee were not injured. The flight originated from Gore Lake, Bunnell, Florida, about 15 minutes earlier. The pilot receiving the check ride stated that he set up a 150-foot per minute descent rate to the glassy water, but after touchdown the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the aft portion of the left float was bent up. There were no scratches along the bottom of the float. -