Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a landing approach on a lake encountered difficulties when the landing flare was delayed. The aircraft subsequently contacted the water in a nose-low attitude, resulting in structural and water damage to the entire airframe with the exception of the empennage and tail section.
Approach Conditions
The wind was calm, and the water surface was glassy, offering minimal visual cues for depth perception. The pilot approached from the east with the intention of landing on the western half of the lake.
Pilot Actions
Using visual cues to gauge height, the pilot reduced engine power to increase the rate of descent. However, the landing flare—the act of raising the nose just before touchdown to reduce vertical speed—was initiated later than necessary.
Impact and Damage
Because of the delayed flare, the aircraft struck the water in a nose-low orientation. The force of impact inflicted structural and water damage across the entire aircraft, sparing only the empennage and tail section.