A routine flight turned into a minor aviation mishap on Monday evening when a vintage float plane touched down at the Fergus Falls Airport.
The incident occurred around 5:48 PM when Del Hoess, the pilot of a 1947 Stinson Voyager float plane with tail number N9493K, completed what should have been a routine landing.
The plane, however, accidentally hit one of the landing marker signs, leading to damage but no injuries.
Float planes have wheels and normally land on grass.
According to the report filed by local authorities, it described how Mr. Hoess landed his float plane but failed to keep its wheels down during the landing, which resulted in a rather unconventional touchdown.
The mishap left the aircraft’s pilot side “toon” damaged, with two holes punched into it.
Additionally, the landing strip’s “13-31” sign was broken off from its cement pad due to the impact.
Fortunately, Mr. Hoess remained unharmed throughout the incident.
The local authorities documented the aftermath of the incident with photographs and subsequently plan to send copies to City Hall.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges pilots may face during landings, even at well-maintained airports like Fergus Falls.