What happened
On a day characterized by visual meteorological conditions, a local flight departed from B Flat Farm Airport (3NK8) in Copense, New York, around 1600. The flight, conducted under Part 91 regulations, involved a vintage twin-engine amphibious airplane built in 1943. During the flight, witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude above the river. The aircraft performed a 180-degree left turn, appearing to execute a tight traffic pattern in preparation for a water landing. Following this maneuver, the aircraft descended and leveled off over the water before a sudden left bank occurred. The nose and the left pontoon of the aircraft struck the surface of the Hudson River, causing the plane to nose over, ignite, and sink. The pilot was fatally injured in the accident.
Findings
An examination of the wreckage confirmed that the landing gear was retracted and the flaps were extended, indicating the aircraft was configured for a water landing. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical or engine failures that would have prevented normal operation. Environmental conditions at the time included a light breeze and slack tide, resulting in calm, glassy water. It was determined that these glassy water conditions likely impaired the pilot's depth perception, making it difficult to accurately gauge the aircraft's altitude. This led to an improper flare, causing the aircraft to exceed its critical angle of attack, enter an aerodynamic stall, and impact the water in a nose-low attitude.