AAIB investigation to Flylight Lightfly-Discus, G-CEOL
Pilot omitted to raise the wheels prior to a water landing in the amphibious aircraft, Holy Loch, near Oban, Argyll, 27 February 2019.
Summary:
The pilot reported that the aircraft took off from a farmer’s field. When over the middle of the adjacent loch, he decided to perform a water landing but he omitted to raise the wheels and the aircraft pitched forward on touchdown, before capsizing to the left. Following the capsize, the pilot climbed onto the upturned hull. Although a variety of emergency services responded, in the event the aircraft could be towed to shore.
The pilot reported that he normally carried out a ‘WOODS’ check before a water landing. This consisted of the following items:
- Wind (direction and strength)
- Wheels
- Obstructions
- Objects
- Depth
- Security
On this occasion, as there was negligible wind, the pilot had inadvertently skipped past the wheels check. He stated that in future he would retract the undercarriage after takeoff once a safe height was passed.
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