On February 13, 1999, a Maule M-7-235 (registration N747CL) was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder City, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to retract the wheels of the floatplane after takeoff from a land airport because of distractions caused by radio problems and complex air traffic control procedures. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A floatplane with amphibious floats nosed over after landing on water with wheels extended. The pilot reported distraction due to radio problems and complex ATC procedures led to failure to retract wheels after takeoff from land.
Incident Overview
A floatplane equipped with amphibious floats nosed over during a water landing. The aircraft touched down with its landing gear extended, causing it to flip onto its nose after contacting the water surface.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he had recently completed training in a land-based retractable gear aircraft. He stated that this training reinforced habits that were contrary to the procedures required for a floatplane landing on water. After taking off from a land airport, he failed to retract the wheels. The pilot attributed this oversight to distractions arising from radio communication difficulties and complex air traffic control procedures.
Gear Indication
Before landing on the water, the pilot verified the wheel position. He noted that the amber wheels-down indicator did not register. Despite this, the landing was attempted with the gear still extended.
The aircraft sustained damage during the nose-over event.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to retract the wheels of the floatplane after takeoff from a land airport because of distractions caused by radio problems and complex air traffic control procedures.