Event GAA18CA370

Factual narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the touchdown on the water was smooth. While the airplane was on step, she reduced the flaps and the airplane suddenly veered left. She applied right rudder and reduced engine power. The left float hit the concrete shore bank, the airplane spun to the left, and the right wing struck the shore. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the touchdown on the water was smooth. While the airplane was on step, she reduced the flaps, and the airplane suddenly veered left. She applied right rudder and reduced engine power. The left float hit the concrete shore bank, the airplane spun to the left, and the right wing struck the shore. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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 Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-(general)-Contributed to outcome