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Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Glassy Water Conditions During Pond Landing Practice (N17MR)

Halifax, MA, US

On May 12, 2004, an Aviat A-1B (registration N17MR) was involved in an aviation accident near Halifax, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate flare during landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water. A factor was the glassy water conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings on a pond experienced glassy water conditions due to light variable winds, leading to difficulty judging height. The airplane impacted the water nose-low, submerged float tips, and came to rest inverted.

Incident Overview

A pilot was conducting practice takeoffs and landings on a pond. During an approach to the pond, the pilot observed that the winds were light and variable, which created glassy water conditions.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot prepared for the landing flare, difficulty arose in accurately referencing the airplane's height above the water due to the glassy surface. Subsequently, the airplane struck the water in a nose-low attitude. The impact caused the float tips to submerge, and the airplane came to rest inverted.

Post-Event Conditions

The airplane was found inverted in the pond after the accident. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or pilot injuries were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 May 2004 Aviat A-1B accident near Halifax, MA?

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings on a pond experienced glassy water conditions due to light variable winds, leading to difficulty judging height. The airplane impacted the water nose-low, submerged float tips, and came to rest inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 May 2004 involved an Aviat A-1B, registration N17MR, at Halifax, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate flare during landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water. A factor was the glassy water conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040615X00794. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.