Incident Overview
A pilot flying a float-equipped airplane experienced a challenging landing situation while attempting to touch down on water. The approach was conducted under high wind conditions, prompting the pilot to maintain an elevated airspeed. As the aircraft descended to approximately 50 feet above the surface, it encountered a strong wind shear that caused the left wing to drop abruptly. The pilot described the event as the most violent wind shear he had ever encountered during a landing.
Pilot Actions
In response to the sudden wing drop, the pilot immediately applied full engine power and full aileron input in an attempt to level the wings. However, before the aircraft could be fully corrected, the left float and the left side of the tail struck the water surface. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce, after which the pilot successfully completed the landing without further incident.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-incident inspection of the airplane revealed damage to the left elevator and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no pre-existing mechanical anomalies with the aircraft that would have prevented normal operation. The investigation focused on the dynamics of the wind shear encounter and its effect on the approach and landing profile.
Findings
The event highlights the challenges of water landings in gusty wind conditions, particularly when wind shear is present. The pilot's decision to use a higher approach speed was consistent with high-wind techniques, but the sudden nature of the wind shear contributed to the loss of control before a full recovery could be achieved. The aircraft's damage was limited to the left tail section, and no additional issues were noted.