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Amphibious Airplane Lands with Gear Extended on Water, Inverts

Gunthersville, AL, United States

On September 6, 2014, a PIPER PA-18A-150 was involved in an aviation accident near Gunthersville, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear wheels prior to a water landing, resulting in a nose over upon touchdown. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

While performing touch-and-go landings, an amphibious airplane pilot became distracted by a jet ski on final approach for a water landing. The landing gear was found extended, contrary to placard warnings, and the airplane inverted upon touchdown.

Accident Narrative

According to the pilot, he was conducting both water and pavement touch-and-go landings in his amphibious airplane. On final approach for a water landing, his attention was drawn to a jet ski emerging from a slew area. Upon landing, the pilot reported that he "found myself inverted."

Examination Findings

Federal Aviation Administration inspectors responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. They found the landing gear and the cockpit-mounted landing gear switch in the down (extended) positions. A cockpit placard was installed that stated, "DO NOT LAND ON WATER UNLESS GEAR IS FULLY RETRACTED."

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

PilotNot used/operated

Related events

Same aircraft family

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