What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing operation on a lake surface. As the aircraft descended to an approximate altitude of 100 feet, the pilot realized that the flaps were not fully extended. In an attempt to correct this configuration error, he reached down to manipulate the controls. By mistake, he lowered the landing gear instead of deploying the flaps. Upon touchdown, the aircraft immediately flipped over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and hull.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the accident. The pilot's account indicated that the error occurred during the critical final approach phase. The mechanical failure was not attributed to a malfunction but to human error in control input. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings and hull as a result of the rollover.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's incorrect control input. The pilot intended to lower the flaps but inadvertently lowered the landing gear. This error occurred at a low altitude, leaving insufficient time or height to recover from the resulting loss of lift and subsequent rollover. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings and hull.
Safety message
Pilots should verify control configurations carefully during critical phases of flight. Misidentification of controls can lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially at low altitudes where recovery options are limited.