The pilot in the Maule MX7 with tundra tires reported that he made an approach to a lake in Soldatna, Alaska. He flew the approach, and landed the airplane in the water.
“Only then did I realize that I was still on wheels,” he told investigators.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windscreen. Water entered the flight deck and the airplane sank.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s attempt to land on water in an airplane that was not equipped with floats.
This June 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Not buying it: I’m thinking he was trying to ski with it—and he flubbed it. Watching too many YouTube videos on hydroplaning can be hazardous to your health.
Severe Expectation bias. Accident occurs 3 days after annual and he even reports on the NTSB docket that the aircraft was on floats?
Uh 😳drug test?
This may be the perfect time to quit sniffing glue.
This can’t be for real. Didn’t realize he wasn’t on floats? Comedy show material.
Sleep. In Alaska and elsewhere pilot’s landing on sand bars or beach’s that are short do touch down and hyroplane to short shore.
Fatigue or drugs, even legal drugs effect judgement.
A question. When landing on water or just having fun ( see CUBCRAFTERS) )
Do the land with the brakes on or off. I’ve never done that but I’m guessing the wheels are locked. A spinning on water might have more drag and would suck the planet’s down.