The Wheel Contacted The Water, And The Airplane’s Nose Immediately Went Into The Water

On May 22, 2021, about 1830 central daylight time, a de Havilland DHC-2, N218RD, sustained minor damage when it was involved in an accident near Oak Island, Minnesota. The pilot and one passenger were not injured, and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to local authorities who spoke with the pilot after the accident, prior to the flight, the pilot added hydraulic fluid to the reservoir due to a known leak in the amphibious float landing gear system. At some point during the flight, the left rear wheel extended and was protruding from the float.