N71JAAviat Aircraft A-1B · 2004

On May 26, 2017, about 1025 central daylight time, an Aviat Aircraft A-1B float-equipped airplane, N71JA, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over upon landing on Tomahawk Lake near Woodruff, Wisconsin. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.The pilot reported that the accident occurred during her first landing after she departed Rhinelander Airport, Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The pilot stated that the airplane's wheels and water rudders were up for the intended water landing. She stated that the winds were calm to 6 knots and the water surface exhibited some minor ripples. The landing was made toward the northwest, with the flaps retracted, at a landing speed of 70-80 mph. The pilot did not recall the landing or the airplane nosing over after it touched down. The pilot's next recollection is after the accident and being upside down under the water. She was able to unlatch her seat restraint and exit the airplane with a minor head cut. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane during the flight. The pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented had she "been sitting up higher on the pilot's seat."

A witness reported seeing the airplane on landing approach to the lake while on a north/northwest heading. He did not observe or hear anything abnormal with the airplane as it descended toward the lake. He turned his attention away from the airplane when it had descended to within a few feet of the lake surface (he did not observe the airplane impact the water).

Another witness reported seeing the airplane come within 5 ft of the lake surface, then climb to 15 ft above the lake before it descended and touched down on the lake. The witness stated that the airplane nosed over shortly after it touched down on the lake. The witness did not recall if the airplane pitch was level or nose low before it landed.

The nearest aviation weather reporting station was located at Lakeland Airport/Noble F. Lee Memorial Field (ARV) about 7 miles northwest of the accident site. Based on available weather data, the surface wind was from the southeast at 3-4 knots.

A postaccident examination of the wreckage established that both wings and the support struts were substantially damaged during the accident.