Amphibious Aircraft Flips Inverted During Water Landing

Casualties unknown • Incline Village, NV, US

An aircraft equipped with amphibious floats flipped inverted upon touchdown on a lake after the pilot failed to retract the landing gear.

What happened

The pilot was operating an amphibious aircraft that had taken off from a land airport. The original flight plan involved remaining in the traffic pattern for one additional landing at the land airport. However, while flying on the downwind leg of the pattern, the pilot observed weather conditions deteriorating from the west.

In response to the changing weather, the pilot decided to divert directly to a nearby lake to perform a planned passenger pickup. Prior to this decision, the aircraft's wheels had been extended in preparation for a terrain landing. During the approach to the water, the pilot failed to retract the landing gear. As the aircraft touched down on the water, the extended wheels caused the aircraft to flip inverted.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear prior to the water landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-03-07 Cessna 185 accident near Incline Village, NV?

An aircraft equipped with amphibious floats flipped inverted upon touchdown on a lake after the pilot failed to retract the landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-03-07 involved a Cessna 185, registration N4021Y, operated by Glen Bruno Lubbe, at Incline Village, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear prior to the water landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20666. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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