(A practical guide for pilots, flight instructors, and aviation enthusiasts)
Understand Why a Water Landing May Be Necessary
When any of these cues appear, a water landing---often called a ditching ---may be the safest option if a runway is out of reach.
Pre‑Landing Preparation (Before You Reach the Water)
- Acknowledge the emergency -- Accept the situation quickly to avoid analysis paralysis.
- Communicate -- Declare an emergency on the appropriate frequency (e.g., "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is N123AB, engine failure, intending to ditch").
- Identify the nearest suitable water body -- Use charts, GPS, or visual cues. Look for open, calm water without obstacles (boats, buoys, power lines).
2.2. Aircraft Configuration
| Action |
Reason |
| Fuel shut‑off (if fire) |
Prevent fuel-fed fire after impact |
| Mixture to idle‑cutoff |
Reduce the chance of post‑impact engine ingestion |
| Flaps (typically 0°--10°) |
Provide enough lift for a low‑speed approach while minimizing drag |
| Landing gear -- UP |
Reduces drag and prevents gear from catching the water surface |
| Seat belts & shoulder harnesses -- FASTENED |
Secure occupants for impact forces |
| Life jackets -- ON (or readily accessible) |
Immediate flotation after touchdown |
| Passengers -- BRACE or adopt the "U‑shaped" position (feet forward, head between knees) |
Reduces injury risk during impact |
- Pitot‑static system -- Verify altitude and airspeed are accurate.
- Transponder -- Set to 7700 (emergency).
- Radio -- Keep a clear channel for ATC and nearby traffic.
- ELT -- Verify it is armed; many automatic ELTs activate on impact.
The Approach: Getting to the Water Right
3.1. Choose the Right Path
- Head‑wind component : Ideally 5--10 kt to reduce ground speed.
- Avoid high waves : Seek areas with wave heights < 0.5 m (1.5 ft).
- Stay clear of obstacles : No trees, docks, or other vessels in the intended touchdown zone.
- Approach speed = V_SO + 10--15 kt (where V_SO is the stall speed in the current configuration).
- Do not exceed the aircraft's V_NE (never‑exceed speed).
3.3. Descent Profile
| Phase |
Target Rate |
Technique |
| Initial descent |
500--700 ft/min |
Apply gentle back pressure; maintain bank < 15°. |
| Final approach |
300--400 ft/min |
Use power adjustments; keep nose slightly up to avoid nose‑first impact. |
| Flare (touchdown) |
0 ft/min |
Gently raise the nose just before water contact; aim for a "soft" touchdown. |
3.4. The "Flare"
- Reduce power to idle.
- Pitch up slowly (≈ 10°--15°).
- Maintain a slight nose‑up attitude until the aircraft gently kisses the water surface.
- Avoid pulling back sharply ---this can cause a tail‑strike or excessive deceleration, leading to a stall and loss of control.
Touchdown: What Happens at the Water Surface
- Surface tension initially supports the aircraft; the hull or fuselage begins to displace water.
- Hydrodynamic drag rapidly decelerates the aircraft; expect 2--3 g forces.
- Stay calm : "Brace for impact" position keeps limbs protected.
4.1. Immediate Post‑Touchdown Actions
- Turn off the magnetos (or engine controls) to prevent propeller wind‑milling.
- Unplug the electrical bus (if fire is suspected).
- Open exits (door, canopy, emergency hatch) as soon as the aircraft stabilizes.
- Inflate life vests if they are not automatic.
4.2. Evacuation Sequence
Survival After the Ditching
5.1. Stay Visible
5.2. Preserve Heat
- Cluster together to share body heat.
- If water temperature is low , get out of the water as soon as possible; water conducts heat 25× faster than air.
5.4. Await Rescue
- Stay calm and keep a lookout for aircraft, helicopters, or boats.
- Maintain a communications schedule (e.g., transmit on 121.5 MHz every 30 seconds).
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall |
Consequence |
Mitigation |
| Landing with gear down |
Gear can dig in, causing a cartwheel or nose‑over. |
Always keep gear up unless landing on a runway. |
| Excessive speed |
Longer float → loss of control, higher impact forces. |
Stick to V_SO + 10--15 kt. |
| Late flare |
Nose‑first impact creating a "slam" and possible cockpit intrusion. |
Practice flare timing in simulators and, if possible, actual water‑landings under supervision. |
| Failing to secure loose items |
Items become projectiles at impact. |
Stow baggage, loose tools, and cockpit papers before the approach. |
| Improper passenger briefing |
Panic or incorrect brace position leads to injuries. |
Brief passengers immediately after declaring emergency; demonstrate brace. |
- Simulator Sessions -- Run multiple ditching scenarios with emergency checklists.
- Water‑Landings Course -- If available, enroll in an approved hydro‑flight training program.
- Survival Gear Familiarity -- Locate, open, and operate life rafts, personal flotation devices, and signaling equipment.
- Crew Resource Management (CRM) -- Assign a dedicated "monitor" to handle communications while the pilot focuses on aircraft control.
- Post‑Incident Review -- After any emergency, conduct a debrief to capture lessons learned.
Quick Reference Checklist (For the Cockpit)
| Step |
Action |
| 1 |
Declare emergency, set transponder to 7700 |
| 2 |
Identify suitable water area, head‑wind component |
| 3 |
Fuel shut‑off (if fire) → mixture idle‑cutoff |
| 4 |
Flaps 0‑10°, gear up, lights as required |
| 5 |
Seat belts/shoulder harnesses fastened, life jackets ready |
| 6 |
Approach at V_SO + 10‑15 kt, maintain gentle descent |
| 7 |
Flare, gentle nose‑up, touch down |
| 8 |
Power idle, prop stop, electrical off (if needed) |
| 9 |
Open exits, assist passengers, inflate life vests |
| 10 |
Evacuate, deploy flotation devices, activate ELT, radio 121.5 MHz |
| 11 |
Stay together, signal for rescue, preserve heat |
Final Thought
Even though a water landing is one of the most challenging emergencies a pilot can face, proper preparation, disciplined execution, and calm post‑impact actions dramatically increase the odds of a safe outcome. Treat every flight as an opportunity to rehearse the checklist---when the unexpected occurs, muscle memory and confidence will guide you to the water and back.