NTSB Factual Report

On October 18, 2007, about 1521 eastern daylight time, a float-equipped Cessna 172M airplane, N92737, sustained substantial damage during a water landing on Rangeley Lake, Rangeley, Maine. The airplane was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The commercial certificated pilot and sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on October 24, the pilot said he was on short final, making a glassy water landing, when his attention was diverted by two military helicopters operating in close proximity to his intended landing area. He said during his moment of inattention, the airplane rolled left, struck the surface of the water with the left float, and nosed over. He said that during the accident both wings were damaged, and the right aileron was torn away. He noted that prior to the accident there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.

The airplane was not examined by the NTSB. The pilot did not submit a NTSB form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report as requested.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing flare/touchdown. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention.