March 13, 2012, Kimberling, Mo., Glastar Sportsman 2+ Experimental

At approximately 1645 Central time, the amphibian-float-equipped airplane was substantially damaged during landing. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.Witnesses observed the airplane as it approached a lake, making a gradual descent as if to land. The witness said the airplane did not level off as it got closer to the water. Another witness said, “Rather than a normal seaplane landing, what I saw was the plane hit the water and flip.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An amphibian-float-equipped airplane was substantially damaged during a lake landing, resulting in the fatal injury of the airline transport pilot.
Witnesses observed the aircraft approach the water without leveling off, hitting the surface and flipping over.
Post-crash examination confirmed the landing gear extension handle was in the retracted position at the time of the incident.

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At approximately 1645 Central time, the amphibian-float-equipped airplane was substantially damaged during landing. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

Witnesses observed the airplane as it approached a lake, making a gradual descent as if to land. The witness said the airplane did not level off as it got closer to the water. Another witness said, “Rather than a normal seaplane landing, what I saw was the plane hit the water and flip. There was so much spray that I could not tell if the plane flipped more than once.” Post-crash examination confirmed the landing gear extension handle was in the retracted position.