Accident Summary
On the day of the accident, the pilot departed a public lake near Forestport, New York, for a series of remote locations to check otter traps for a relocation program. The accident occurred at the final location. The approach and landing were normal, but during step-taxi, the airplane encountered a gust of wind, and the pilot lost control. The airplane yawed right, and the left wingtip struck the water. At the end of the sequence, the airplane was upright on the shore. The pilot, uninjured, exited and hiked approximately 20 miles back to civilization.
Pre-Accident Flight
The pilot began the day by departing from a public lake near Forestport, New York. The purpose of the flight was to check traps set as part of an otter relocation program. The pilot visited several remote locations, with the accident occurring at the last one.
Landing and Taxi
The approach to the accident location was described as normal, and the landing was also normal. After landing, the pilot began step-taxiing, a technique for water landings. While step-taxing, the airplane encountered a gust of wind. The pilot reported losing control, and the airplane yawed to the right. The left wingtip contacted the water. The sequence ended with the airplane coming to rest upright on the shore.
Aftermath
The pilot exited the airplane without injury and then hiked 20 miles to reach help. No other details about injuries or damage were provided.
Pilot History
The pilot had landed at the accident location 25 to 30 times previously, indicating familiarity with the area.
Environmental Conditions
The body of water was approximately 1,000 feet long and 60 feet wide, based on topographical maps. The wind was from the southwest at 10 mph, gusting to 20 mph.