Casualties unknown

Floatplane Noses Over After Landing Yaw (N7072B)

Lake City, MI, US

On July 5, 2004, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N7072B) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake City, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane nosed over during landing after yawing right, causing the left float to catch the water. The pilot reported minimal wind and glassy water conditions.

Accident Overview

A float-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage during a landing sequence when it yawed to the right after touchdown. The subsequent yaw allowed the left float to catch the water, leading the aircraft to nose over.

Pilot Report

The pilot described the conditions as having minimal wind and "near glassy water conditions." She reported that the aircraft was coming down off the step after touchdown when it began to turn slightly to the right. Despite her attempts, she was unable to correct the yaw, which resulted in the left float sinking enough to catch the water, causing the aircraft to flip over.

Damage

The aircraft was substantially damaged in the accident, though no further details on specific components are available from the source.

Weather and Water Conditions

The pilot characterized the wind as minimal and the water surface as near glassy, indicating calm conditions. No additional weather parameters were specified.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's account, the landing proceeded normally until the aircraft was coming off the step. At that point, a right yaw developed. The pilot could not correct the yaw, and the left float submerged, catching the water. The aircraft then nosed over, resulting in the damage.

Conclusion

The accident occurred when the aircraft yawed right after touchdown on landing, causing the left float to catch the water and leading to a nose-over. The pilot reported calm wind and glassy water conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040901X01338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.