Accident Details
An amphibious aircraft experienced a hard landing while the pilot was attempting to land on glassy water at the inlet of Nerka Lake. The accident occurred during moderate rain. Following the hard landing, the aircraft nosed over, sank, and came to rest inverted in clear water on the bottom of Wood River. The landing gear was retracted and the flaps were extended at the time of the accident.
All three occupants escaped the aircraft with minor injuries.
Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the accident was caused by a hard landing during the flare/touchdown phase. The pilot misjudged the altitude and executed an improper flare. Contributing factors included the rainy weather condition and the glassy water surface.