Seaplane sustains structural damage during evasive maneuver to avoid boat

Casualties unknown • Kilen seaplane landing zone, Fornebu, Norway, NO

A Cessna 172 landed at Kilen Seaplane Base in Norway before striking the water during an emergency turn to avoid a collision with a small vessel.

What happened

On the afternoon of October 8, 2017, a Reims Aviation SA F172M, registration LN-RAM, was performing a private landing at Kilen Seaplane Base in Fornebu, Norway. The flight was approaching runway 07 under clear skies and light winds. During the landing flare, as the aircraft was decelerating, the pilot noticed a small 15-foot recreational boat appearing in the right field of vision, traveling toward the aircraft's path.

To avoid a collision, the pilot applied left rudder to bank the aircraft away from the vessel. This sudden maneuver caused the aircraft to turn across the landing direction, resulting in the propeller and wing striking the water. The aircraft subsequently righted itself and remained buoyant on its floats. The boat, which was carrying two occupants, had also attempted an evasive maneuver by turning right and stopping its engine. No injuries were reported to the pilot or the occupants of the boat, though the F1t72M sustained structural damage to the wing, tail surface, and engine cowling.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the water due to an abrupt evasive maneuver intended to avoid a collision with a small recreational boat that entered the landing path unexpectedly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-10-08 Reims Aviation SA F172M accident near Kilen seaplane landing zone, Fornebu, Norway, NO?

A Cessna 172 landed at Kilen Seaplane Base in Norway before striking the water during an emergency turn to avoid a collision with a small vessel.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-10-08 involved a Reims Aviation SA F172M, registration LN-RAM, operated by Private, at Kilen seaplane landing zone, Fornebu, Norway, NO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the water due to an abrupt evasive maneuver intended to avoid a collision with a small recreational boat that entered the landing path unexpectedly.

Investigation report by the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA). Original record: https://nsia.no/Aviation/Aviation/Published-reports/2018-02. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) / Statens havarikommisjon, Norway.

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