Amphibious Airplane Noses Over After Water Landing With Wheels Extended (N95AK)

Accident Overview

A float-equipped amphibious airplane sustained substantial damage during a water landing when the pilot inadvertently attempted to land with the landing gear extended. The aircraft subsequently nosed over into the water.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported departing from a land-based airport and flying locally for approximately 30 minutes. He recalled raising the wheels after takeoff. Before returning to the departure airport, the pilot decided to make a "quick splash and dash" landing on a lake. He set up for a touch-and-go landing on the water and recalled that the landing gear control lever and gear position indicator lights indicated a wheels-up (water) configuration. The pilot touched down at 40 miles per hour (mph), and the airplane began to "dig into the waves." At about 30 mph, the airplane nosed over into the water.

Post-Accident Observations

After exiting the aircraft, the pilot observed the wheels in the extended position and heard the hydraulic motor running. A post-accident inspection of the landing gear and instrument indicator lights found them to operate normally.