History of the Flight
At approximately 10:10 Korea Standard Time on June 23, 2023, an ICON-A5 amphibian aircraft, registered N764BA and owned by Robins Aircraft Co., took off from the water at Donam Port in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do. After flying for about 20 minutes, the pilot attempted a water landing at the entrance of Donam Port. During the landing approach, the aircraft experienced porpoising—a continuous up-and-down motion in the flight direction—which startled the pilot. In response, the pilot executed a balked landing. While making a steep turn to avoid obstacles, the aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed into an access bridge at Donam Port.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was an ICON-A5, a light-sport amphibian, with registration N764BA. It was powered by a Rotax 912 iS engine. The aircraft was operated by Robins Aircraft Co. at the time of the accident.
Investigation Findings
The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) conducted the investigation and determined that the probable cause of the accident was a stall that occurred while the aircraft was in a steep turn to avoid obstacles. The investigation also identified two contributing factors: decision-making errors by the pilot in procedural execution and aircraft operation, and a nose gear malfunction. The ARAIB issued a safety recommendation following the investigation.