Accident Overview
A scheduled commuter airline flight concluded with a landing on a hard-surfaced runway in a near direct crosswind of 7 knots gusting to 14 knots. The aircraft, an amphibious tailwheel airplane, was flown by a recently qualified captain serving as the second pilot. The pilot-in-command check airman occupied the right seat, which was equipped with all flight controls but lacked brake pedals. During the landing roll, the airplane ground looped to the right, causing the left main landing gear to collapse. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Training Experience
A review of the second pilot's training records and interviews with FAA personnel revealed that the second pilot had not received adequate transition training to the accident type airplane. At the time of the accident, the second pilot had logged a total of 1.8 hours in the accident type airplane, which included all training and a flight check. The second pilot had accrued approximately 7 hours of tailwheel experience over the previous 7 years prior to beginning training on the accident type airplane. During the transition training, the second pilot performed only 3 wheel landings in the accident type airplane, instead of the minimum required 12.
Aircraft Condition
Postaccident inspection of the airplane and maintenance records disclosed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical problems.