Primary finding
Probable cause
The abrupt use of the flight controls,by the pilot-in-command while taxiing on water that resulted in the airplane capsizing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was taxiing after landing and noted an alligator to his left. He stated he abruptly applied aileron flight control input and the right wing collided with the water, and the airplane sank.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 22, 1995, about 1920 eastern daylight time, a Searey Bombadier, N773G, registered to Pelican Corp., crashed while landing at Lake Eustis, Orlando, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Ghetto Air Park, Orlando, Florida, about 1851, the same day. The pilot stated that after landing, while water taxiing on Lake Eustis, he saw an alligator to the left of the taxiing path. He raised the left wing to avoid the alligator, which resulted in the right wing hitting the water at a 20-degree angle. The airplane then sank and the pilot exited the airplane without injury, and was rescued by a passing boat within about 5 minutes. -