On 22 January 2013 the pilot of a Cessna U206F amphibious aircraft was conducting a joy flight over Corio Bay in Victoria with two passengers on board. During the flight the pilot landed to refuel at Barwon Heads Airport, requiring the use of the landing wheels. When departing from Barwon Heads the pilot became distracted and did not retract the landing wheels during the after take-off checks.
On the return trip the pilot diverted for sightseeing before heading back to Corio Bay for a water landing. Under perceived time pressure, the pilot did not complete the normal downwind and short final checks, and failed to notice that the wheels were still extended. On touchdown the aircraft pitched over and came to rest upside down. The pilot assisted the passengers to safely evacuate the aircraft before rescue vessels arrived. No one was injured in the accident.
This accident highlights the importance of following procedures and diligently completing checklists.
This accident is a reminder that human error can occur at any time and highlights the importance of managing operational pressures and avoiding distractions. It also highlights the importance of following procedures and diligently completing checklists. Effective application of threat and error and distraction management principles can reduce risk. The ATSB noted that the operator’s requirement for the passengers to wear life jackets throughout the flight enhanced the survivability of the passengers.
Read the report: Wheels-down water landing involving Cessna U206F floatplane, VH-UBI, Corio Bay, Victoria, on 22 January 2013