On November 3, 2001, a Maule M7-260 (registration N5511G) operated by William A. Bieber was involved in an aviation accident near North Lima, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent landing on the lake with the landing gear extended, which caused the airplane to flip over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An amphibious aircraft owned by the pilot landed on a private lake with its wheeled landing gear extended, causing the plane to flip over after two prior runway landings.
What happened
The pilot operated an amphibious airplane that featured a dual configuration of floats and retractable wheel landing gear. The flight sequence began at a nearby airport where the pilot executed two successful landings on the runway. Following these operations, the pilot departed to return to his private lake for a water landing.
Upon approach to the lake, the pilot inadvertently touched down with the wheeled landing gear in the extended position rather than retracted. This configuration caused the aircraft to flip over upon impact with the water surface.
The investigation
The pilot stated that the accident resulted from an inadvertent error during the final phase of flight. No mechanical failure was cited as a factor; the primary issue was the positioning of the landing gear during the water landing attempt.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent landing on the lake with the landing gear extended, which caused the airplane to flip over.
What happened in the 3 Nov 2001 Maule M7-260 accident near North Lima, OH?
An amphibious aircraft owned by the pilot landed on a private lake with its wheeled landing gear extended, causing the plane to flip over after two prior runway landings.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Nov 2001 involved a Maule M7-260, registration N5511G, operated by William A. Bieber, at North Lima, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadvertent landing on the lake with the landing gear extended, which caused the airplane to flip over.
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