Event ANC14CA057

Factual narrative

The pilot was landing a float-equipped airplane at a remote lake, during glassy water conditions. Glassy water landings usually consume a considerable landing area. The pilot stated that during the landing, the airplane touched down in the typical area as in previous landings; however, the airplane remained on the step (the float/hull is supported on top of the water surface as opposed to plowing through it) longer than usual and the floats subsequently impacted the shoreline. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot was landing a float-equipped airplane at a remote lake, during glassy water conditions. Glassy water landings usually consume a considerable landing area. The pilot stated that during the landing, the airplane touched down in the typical area as in previous landings; however, the airplane remained on the step (the float/hull is supported on top of the water surface as opposed to plowing through it) longer than usual and the floats subsequently impacted the shoreline. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Not attained/maintained - C
• F Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Glassy-Effect on operation - F
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C