Primary finding
Probable cause
The flight instructor, while demonstrating a water landing to the pilot receiving instruction, did not maintain proper alignment with the landing surface, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor was providing instruction to the airline transport pilot in a float-equipped airplane. During the flight instructor’s demonstration of a water landing, the airplane was misaligned with the intended landing path when it impacted the water’s surface. A postaccident examination revealed that the airframe was substantially damaged during the resultant hard landing.
Source record
Factual narrative
The certified flight instructor (CFI) was providing instruction to the airline transport pilot in a float-equipped airplane. During the CFI’s demonstration of a water landing, the airplane impacted the water’s surface misaligned with the intended landing path. A postaccident examination revealed that the airframe was substantially damaged during the hard landing.