Floatplane Nose-Over on Lake After Wheels Left Extended

Incident Summary

According to the pilot's written statement, the flight departed from a land-based airport and proceeded to a nearby lake. The pilot noted that because the flight was short and direct, he did not use the departure checklist and subsequently forgot to retract the wheels on the pontoons. Upon touchdown on the water, the airplane immediately nosed over.

Examination Findings

A post-accident examination revealed that the firewall had been buckled by the impact. Investigators found no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or its systems that would have precluded normal operations.

Causes

The pilot's failure to use the departure checklist led to the wheels remaining extended on the pontoons, which caused the airplane to nose over during the water landing.