On 16 Apr 2013, a CESSNA A185F operated by Lindsay A. Weaver was involved in an aviation accident near Palatka, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear after takeoff from a runway, and his subsequent water landing with the wheels extended. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot performing a water touch-and-go landing forgot to retract the landing gear after a previous runway takeoff, causing the amphibious airplane to nose over and sustain structural damage.
Accident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a water touch-and-go landing on a river approximately three miles from the departure airport. The pilot reported being distracted by potential skydivers, towers in the area, and by discussing the route of flight with a passenger. These distractions resulted in the pilot not retracting the landing gear after the previous takeoff from a runway.
Water Landing and Damage
The amphibious airplane touched down on the water with the landing gear still extended. Upon contact, the aircraft immediately nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that the fuselage and wings sustained structural damage.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures occurred that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not report any other contributing factors.