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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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September 4, 2014 · Campbell Super Bearhawk · CFBCA

Sault Ste Marie, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 4, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Aircraft
Campbell Super Bearhawk
Tail Number
CFBCA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14LA492

The pilot reported that he was attempting to land the airplane on a lake and that he misjudged the height of the airplane above the water, which he described as "glassy." During the touchdown, the left float "dug in," and the airplane subsequently nosed over. It is likely that the glassy water conditions adversely affected the pilot's depth perception, which led to his subsequent failure to judge the height above the water.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate flare during landing on water with a glassy condition, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

Full Narrative

On September 4, 2014, about 1230 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Campbell Super Bearhawk, CFBCA, nosed over during landing on Lake George near Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The recreational pilot was uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that was not operating on a flight plan. The flight departed from the Ste Marie River at 1145, and was destined for Lake George near Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The pilot reported that he was attempting a landing on Lake George when he misjudged the height of the airplane above the water, which he described as glassy. During the touchdown, the left float "dug in" and the airplane nosed over.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCampbell Super Bearhawk
Tail NumberCFBCA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470E · Reciprocating · 255
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 3 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingOvercast 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 68 F
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time18:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data