No fatalities

23 Jan 2021: AVIAT A1 B — Terrell, NC

Terrell, NC, United States

On 23 Jan 2021, an AVIAT A1 B was involved in an aviation accident near Terrell, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear on the amphibious airplane prior to a water landing, resulting in a nose over and structural damage to the airframe. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear on the amphibious airplane prior to a water landing, resulting in a nose over and structural damage to the airframe. The mechanic’s failure to remove electrical tape from the pitot tube, the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, and the pilot’s failure to visually confirm the landing gear position prior to touchdown were all factors in the accident.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationMaintenance personnelPilot