On July 5, 2003, an Aviat A-1B (registration N700KY) operated by Larry Teuber was involved in an aviation accident near Okobojo, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the float strut during a water landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A float-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when the left front float's landing gear strut failed during touchdown on water. Examination found no pre-existing metal problem.
Damage and Sequence of Events
The airplane sustained substantial damage after the landing gear strut on its left front float failed. According to the pilot, upon touchdown in the water, a cracking sound was heard from the left front of the aircraft. As the airplane decelerated, it began to lean to the left. The pilot reported that a boater subsequently assisted in pulling the airplane to shore.
Examination of the Failed Component
An examination of the landing gear and strut assembly concluded that there was no evidence of a pre-existing metal problem. The strut failure occurred during the landing sequence, but the specific cause of the failure was not determined.
The accident highlights a mechanical failure during a normal water landing operation.