Accident Details
On May 26, 2017, at approximately 1025 central daylight time, an Aviat Aircraft A-1B float-equipped airplane, registration N71JA, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during landing on Tomahawk Lake near Woodruff, Wisconsin. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The pilot reported that the accident occurred during her first landing after departing from Rhinelander Airport, Rhinelander, Wisconsin. She stated that the airplane's wheels and water rudders were retracted for the intended water landing. Winds were calm to 6 knots, and the water surface showed minor ripples. The landing was made to the northwest with flaps retracted at a speed of 70–80 mph. The pilot did not recall the landing or the nose-over after touchdown; her next recollection was being upside down under the water. She unlatched her seat restraint and exited the airplane with a minor head cut. The pilot noted no mechanical anomalies during the flight and suggested that sitting higher on the pilot's seat could have prevented the accident.
Witness Observations
One witness observed the airplane on a north/northwest landing approach to the lake. He did not see or hear anything abnormal as it descended. He turned away when the airplane was within a few feet of the lake surface and did not see the water impact.
Another witness reported seeing the airplane descend to within 5 feet of the lake surface, climb to about 15 feet, then descend and touch down. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane nosed over. This witness did not recall whether the airplane's pitch was level or nose-low before landing.
Weather Information
The nearest aviation weather reporting station was Lakeland Airport/Noble F. Lee Memorial Field (ARV), about 7 miles northwest of the accident site. Surface wind was from the southeast at 3–4 knots.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination revealed that both wings and the support struts were substantially damaged.