Primary finding
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to retract the landing gear before landing the amphibious airplane in water. The pilot's lack of experience/certification/training in seaplanes was a possible factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After takeoff, the pilot recognized that the oil temperature was increasing. He elected to land the amphibious airplane on water, but inadvertently landed with the landing gear extended. The pilot did not hold a seaplane rating at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 31, 1996, about 1020 eastern standard time, a homebuilt amphibious Searay, N91036, registered to a private individual, nosed over on landing on the Intercoastal waterway near Key Biscayne, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airline transport-rated pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight originated about 0930 from the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The pilot stated that after takeoff he recognized that the oil temperature was increasing. He elected to perform a precautionary landing on the water at the accident location because friends lived nearby and inadvertently landed with the landing gear extended. The airplane nosed over after touchdown. The pilot did not hold a seaplane class rating at the time of the accident. -