Amphibian Aircraft Capsizes During Simulated Engine Failure Training

Casualties unknown • Loch Awe, Argyll and Bute, GB

A Christen A-1 Husky flipped onto its back during a simulated engine failure landing on Loch Awe after the landing gear was left extended.

What happened

On 7 August 2013, a Christen A-1 Husky, registration G-WATR, was conducting a training flight over Loch Awe, Argyll and Bute. The flight was intended to prepare a student pilot for the renewal of a Single-Engine Piston (SEP) (Land) rating. Following a series of circuits at Oban Aerodrome, the aircraft proceeded to the loch for upper airwork, which included stall recovery practice.

During the flight, the instructor initiated a Practice Forced Landing (PFL). To simulate the scenario, the instructor suggested the student aim for an imaginary airstrip on the water's surface. The student believed the landing gear was in the correct configuration for a water landing; however, the gear remained extended. As the aircraft approached the water, the rear wheels and floats made contact, causing rapid deceleration. Upon the front wheels hitting the water, the aircraft pitched forward uncontrollably, resulting in the aircraft flipping onto its back. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the inverted aircraft without injury.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation established that the instructor had suggested using a stretch of water as a landing site. While the student believed the landing gear was retracted for a water landing, the gear was actually down. The instructor did not visually verify the landing gear lights after deciding to proceed with the water landing. The investigation also noted that the student did not recall pressing the annunciator to cancel an aural message, and there was a possibility of a loose connection causing the annunciator to fail.

Findings

  • The landing gear was extended during the water landing, which is the incorrect configuration for such an operation.
  • The instructor's suggestion of an imaginary water airstrip contributed to the student's confusion regarding the required aircraft configuration.
  • The instructor failed to visually confirm the landing gear position prior to the landing.
  • The aircraft sustained damage to the cowlings, forward fuselage, floats, landing gear, and wings, as well as damage from water immersion.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft attempting a water landing with the landing gear extended, which led to the aircraft flipping onto its back upon contact with the water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-08-07 Christen A-1 Husky accident near Loch Awe, Argyll and Bute, GB?

A Christen A-1 Husky flipped onto its back during a simulated engine failure landing on Loch Awe after the landing gear was left extended.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-08-07 involved a Christen A-1 Husky, registration G-WATR, at Loch Awe, Argyll and Bute, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft attempting a water landing with the landing gear extended, which led to the aircraft flipping onto its back upon contact with the water.

Loading the flight search…