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NTSB Report
February 25, 2025 · Icon A5 · N459BA
Smithville, TN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 25, 2025
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Smithville, TN
Aircraft
Icon A5 (2018)
Tail Number
N459BA
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA25LA135
After fueling the airplane at a nearby airport, the pilot was returning to his home lake to perform a water landing. During the landing, the landing gear were still configured in the extended position. The landing gear contacted the water and the airplane nosed down into the water. The airplane subsequently submerged in the water and sank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported there were no mechanical failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the landing gear had no abnormalities that prevented normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear prior to landing in water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use the manufacturer’s provided checklist.
Full Narrative
After fueling the airplane at a nearby airport, the pilot was returning to his home lake to perform a water landing. During the landing, the landing gear were still configured in the extended position. The landing gear contacted the water and the airplane nosed down into the water. The airplane subsequently submerged in the water and sank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported there were no mechanical failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the landing gear had no abnormalities that prevented normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 CST
Nearest AirportSmithville Muni (3nm S)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftIcon A5
Tail NumberN459BA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912 iSc2 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Sprt · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 7 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 34 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC