Accident
On July 16, 2017, about 1515 eastern daylight time, a Cessna R172K, N736NK, was substantially damaged during landing at Brandy Pond Seaplane Base (5ME), Naples, Maine. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Biddeford Municipal Airport (B19), Biddeford, Maine.
Investigation
According to the pilot's report to local police, when the airplane landed it "bounced" and he was "not entirely sure what happened," feeling that perhaps one of the wings went into the water. In a statement to an FAA inspector, the pilot said, "Upon water landing touchdown and after an otherwise normal circling approach the aircraft yaw and roll were uncontrollable. The aircraft rolled right and came to a stop with at least part of the right wing submerged."
Multiple witnesses reported the water was "choppy" and "very busy" with boating activity. The landing was recorded by a boater on Brandy Pond and posted on a commercial website. Examination of the video revealed rapid, abrupt rolling of the wings at a very low altitude just prior to water contact. At touchdown, the airplane bounced and then rotated back and forth about the roll axis, alternately contacting the water with the left and right pontoons. The roll oscillations increased in magnitude until the right pontoon and right wing tip dragged the water, which brought the airplane to an abrupt stop with the right wingtip submerged.
One witness stated the water was rough and that the airplane appeared high on its approach and was not landing into the wind. He said the airplane was fast and did not decrease power until just before touchdown.
Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. Flight control continuity was confirmed to all flight control surfaces. Movement of the elevator was restricted due to impact damage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The four-seat, high wing, amphibious airplane was powered by a Continental IO-360, 210 horsepower engine. The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and airplane single-engine sea. He reported 650 hours of total flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA third-class medical certificate, issued on February 28, 2017.
Weather
The closest weather reporting facility was Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport (LEW), Auburn, Maine, about 14 miles east of the accident site. At 1656, weather included wind from 170° at 12 knots; clear skies; visibility 10 statute miles; temperature, 28° C; dew point, 18° C; and an altimeter setting 29.91 inches of mercury.