On July 15, 1989, a Cessna 175 (registration N7404M) was involved in an aviation accident near Lawton, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate climb performance during takeoff at maximum gross weight, which led to a hard landing and subsequent loss of control while attempting to avoid the shoreline. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot performing a water takeoff at maximum gross weight experienced inadequate climb performance, resulting in a hard landing and subsequent loss of control.
What happened
The private pilot initiated a water takeoff with the aircraft loaded to its maximum gross weight. Following liftoff, the pilot determined that the climb gradient was insufficient to clear obstacles located along the lakeshore. Consequently, the pilot elected to return to the water for an emergency landing. The touchdown was forceful, causing structural damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
After touching down on the water, the pilot attempted a right turn to avoid striking the shoreline. During this maneuver, the right float separated from the airframe. Immediately following the separation, the right wing struck the water surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate climb performance during takeoff at maximum gross weight, which led to a hard landing and subsequent loss of control while attempting to avoid the shoreline.