While Landing In The River, The Extended Landing Gear Contacted The Water And The Airplane Nosed Over, Resulting In Substantial Damage

Location: Bell, Florida Accident Number: ERA25LA335
Date & Time: September 6, 2025, 12:52 Local Registration: N2469J
Aircraft: Lafferty Jack Sea Rey Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot of the amphibious airplane stated that he departed from a turf runway at his home airport but forgot to raise the landing gear. He planned a short flight to a nearby river where he would make a water landing, before returning to his home airport. While landing in the river, the extended landing gear contacted the water and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the forward portion of the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to raise the landing gear before landing on the water.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov