Casualties unknown

2005-12-30: Aviat A-1B (N841CF) — Alexander City, AL

Alexander City, AL, US

On December 30, 2005, an Aviat A-1B (registration N841CF) was involved in an aviation accident near Alexander City, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain the proper rate of descent during approach for landing to the glassy water resulting in a hard landing and separation of the floats. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot circled the destination airport before proceeding to Lake Martin for a splash-and-go landing. During the approach over glassy water, he heard a loud sound, the floats departed, and the airplane contacted the water after failing to climb.

Incident Description

A pilot reported that after takeoff, the flight proceeded to the destination airport, which he circled several times. He then elected to proceed to Lake Martin to perform a splash-and-go landing. Upon nearing the lake, he observed glassy water conditions and established a long gradual descent. During the approach, he reviewed glassy water landing procedures in his mind and maintained a rate of descent of 150 to 200 feet per minute.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that at a point in the flight when he thought the airplane should have touched down, he heard a loud sound and the airplane became airborne. The floats then departed from the airplane. He applied full power to climb, but the airplane would not climb. While in a tail-low attitude, the airplane contacted the water. The pilot exited the airplane and was rescued by an individual in a boat who responded to the scene. He further stated that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure.

Outcome

The pilot was rescued from the water by a person in a boat. No information about injuries or damage to the aircraft was provided in the source. The pilot attributed the event to the splash-and-go landing attempt on glassy water, stating that no mechanical issues were present.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060117X00083. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.