No fatalities

1 Nov 2009: PIPER PA-18-150 — Richard Kluver — Three Lakes, WI

Three Lakes, WI, United States

On 1 Nov 2009, a PIPER PA-18-150 operated by Richard Kluver was involved in an aviation accident near Three Lakes, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare and touchdown during the water landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A floatplane sustained substantial damage when its left wing dipped into a lake during landing. The pilot reported a normal touchdown, but the wing struck water seconds later. A witness observed the airplane flying slow in a left bank before hitting the water.

Incident Overview

A float-equipped airplane was landing on a lake when the left wing dipped into the water, causing substantial damage. The pilot reported that the touchdown appeared normal, but a few seconds later the right wing rose and the left wing dropped, striking the water. The left wing was bent upward.

Pilot and Witness Accounts

The pilot stated that winds were light and the lake surface had about 3-inch ripples. He reported no mechanical malfunction of the airplane. A witness observed the airplane flying slowly over the water in a left bank, at which point the airplane “dropped into the lake” with the left wing hitting the water.

Damage

The left wing sustained substantial damage, being bent upward.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot