What happened
On May 24, 2008, a Cessna 180H amphibious aircraft, registration OH-CNW, was performing a private flight near Nilsiä, Finland. The flight, which involved practicing operations on both land and water using newly installed wheel-floats, was approaching Syväri Lake for a landing near Tahkovuori.
As the pilot executed the final approach, they performed a visual check of the gear indicators and float position pins to ensure the wheels were retracted for water operations. However, during the final stages of the approach, the pilot likely moved the landing gear lever to the down position. Upon initial contact with the water, the extended wheels created significant drag and a violent vibration. The aircraft decelerated rapidly and capsized nose-first, eventually resting upside down on its floats. The pilot and passenger managed to exit the aircraft via the passenger-side door and climbed onto the floats to wait for rescue. Both occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
The Finnish Safety Investigation Authority (OTKES) examined the aircraft wreckage and interviewed the occupants and a nearby witness. The investigation focused on the configuration of the landing gear and the pilot's procedures during the transition between land and water operations. Investigators noted that while the aircraft was equipped with the manufacturer's recommended checklists for the new amphibious floats, these checklists were not actively utilized during the flight. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and the pilot's licenses were valid, and no mechanical failures were found in the aircraft prior to the accident.