Lake City, MI, USA
N7072B
Piper PA-18-150
The float-equipped airplane was substantially damaged during landing when it yawed to the right after touch down, allowing the left float to catch the water. The aircraft subsequently nosed over. The pilot noted there was "minimal" wind and "near glassy water conditions." She stated that the aircraft was coming down off the step after touch down when it "began to turn a little to the right." She was unable to correct the yaw, which allowed the left float to sink enough to catch the water and the aircraft flipped over.
On July 5, 2004, approximately 1700 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, N7072B, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during landing on Sapphire Lake near Lake City, Michigan. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The local flight reportedly departed Sapphire Lake about 1635. In the pilot's written statement, she reported that she had selected her landing point on the lake and made one 360-degree turn in order to allow some boat wakes to dissipate. She noted there was "minimal" wind and "near glassy water conditions." She stated that the aircraft was coming down off the step after touch down when it "began to turn a little to the right." She was unable to correct the yaw, which allowed the left float to sink enough to catch the water. The aircraft subsequently flipped over. The pilot reported no malfunctions or failures associated with the aircraft prior to the accident.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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