ERA17LA337

The private pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that he performed a fly-by of the lake he intended to land on to ensure that there were no boats or obstacles in the water. Seeing none and observing calm conditions, he conducted the landing, during which the airplane impacted a submerged object. The impact compromised the hull allowing water to enter, and the airplane subsequently sank. Pine and bark debris was found in the damaged area of the hull. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

On September 15, 2017, about 1600 eastern daylight time, an Airmax Construccoes Aeronautica Seamax-M22, N885PR, was substantially damaged after a water landing in Candlewood Lake near New Fairfield, Connecticut. The private pilot and passenger were uninjured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The private pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that after a cross-country flight with his son, they arrived at their intended lake destination to conduct a water landing. He reported that he performed a flyby to ensure there were no boats or obstacles in the water where he intended to land. Seeing none, and observing calm conditions, he conducted the landing. After the airplane uneventfully settled onto the water and during the subsequent taxi, they noticed water pouring up from the floor. He attempted to get to the shore, but the water was pouring in fast, so he shut down the engine and evacuated. They were rescued by nearby personnel who were on personal watercraft. The pilot reported there was no mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot further stated that the landing and taxi appeared completely normal and nothing was seen or felt floating in the water. He surmised that the airplane may have struck a submerged tree or log. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident and observed that there was a 9-inch crescent shaped gouge on the hull below the waterline and it was impacted with pine needles and bark.