On September 11, 2005, an Aviat A-1B (registration N7QR) was involved in an aviation accident near Drummond Island, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions, his failure to perform a go-around, and he flared improperly. Factors included the downdraft and the shoreline. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A float-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage after a water landing on a sheltered bay. The pilot reported encountering a downdraft, causing the right float to hit hard, leading to porpoising and impact with the rocky shoreline.
Incident Details
A float-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage during a water landing on a sheltered bay. The pilot reported that he had landed on that bay many times previously. The water on the bay was calm and sheltered from the wind.
Pilot's Account
During the approach, the pilot experienced wind buffets as he flew over the trees. He reported, "We then experienced a downdraft which I tried to hold off the floats, but the right float hit hard, veering the plane to the right." The airplane began to porpoise up and down toward the shore. The pilot attempted to stop the porpoising by pulling back on the stick. The airplane impacted the rocky shoreline and nosed over.
Subsequent Findings
An inspection of the flight control system did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction.