What happened
A certificated private pilot holding single-engine land privileges was seated in the front cockpit of a float-equipped Piper PA-18-150. The aircraft was engaged in a training session focused on water landing techniques, with a flight instructor occupying the rear seat to provide instruction. During the maneuver, the airplane touched down on the water surface while the landing gear remained extended. This configuration resulted in the aircraft nosing over upon impact.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have contributed to the incident. The structural failure was consistent with the forces generated by the improper landing configuration rather than a pre-existing mechanical defect.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the decision to execute a water landing with the wheels down on a float-equipped aircraft. This action caused the nose to submerge, leading to the overturning of the airplane. The pilot received instruction but failed to retract the gear or adjust technique appropriately for the surface.
Safety message
Pilots operating float-equipped aircraft must ensure that landing gear is retracted prior to water contact unless specifically trained and authorized for gear-down water landings in that specific configuration.