New Milford, CT, USA
N44LD
Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. Lake LA-4-200
The pilot was practicing takeoffs on landings on a lake. During the flare, the airplane contacted the water, flipped over, and sank. The pilot reported that he intended to flair the airplane about 1 foot above water, however, he believed he actually flared "just inches" above the water. The pilot reported that the water surface had a slight ripple, and he had a good peripheral view of the shoreline during the approach.
On September 24, 2004, about 1400 eastern daylight time, a Consolidated Aeronautics Inc., Lake LA-4-200, N44LD, was substantially damaged while landing on Candlewood Lake, New Milford, Connecticut. The certificated airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated he had completed approximately 11 uneventful takeoffs and landings on Candlewood Lake, throughout the day of accident. With regards to his twelfth landing, the pilot stated: "...There were tree covered hills (elevation 400-500 feet) on my left, and low terrain with boat docks, homes, etc, to my right. The water had a slight ripple. I had good peripheral view of the shoreline giving me a good idea of water elevation. The approach was the same as my previous eleven that day. I rounded out, what I thought was one foot above the water, when I now believe I was in fact just inches above the water...." The airplane contacted the water, flipped over, and sank. The pilot stated he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions. He reported 20,000 hours of total flight experience, which included 120 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
The pilot's improper flair, which resulted in a nose over.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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