On January 27, 2002, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4379Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle Point, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently failed to retract the landing gear for the water landing and the aircraft nosed over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported forgetting to retract the landing gear after takeoff, causing the amphibian aircraft's bow floats to dig into the river and nose over. The nose wheels were broken off.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that after taking off from a private airstrip in an amphibian aircraft, he forgot to retract the landing gear before attempting a landing on a river. As the aircraft touched down, the bow of the floats dug into the water, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Aircraft Damage
Following recovery of the aircraft, inspection revealed that the nose wheels mounted on the bow of the floats had been broken off during the accident sequence.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident. He attributed the event to his own oversight in failing to retract the gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 Jan 2002 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Eagle Point, OR?
A pilot reported forgetting to retract the landing gear after takeoff, causing the amphibian aircraft's bow floats to dig into the river and nose over. The nose wheels were broken off.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jan 2002 Piper PA-18-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jan 2002 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N4379Z, at Eagle Point, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot inadvertently failed to retract the landing gear for the water landing and the aircraft nosed over.
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