There's a number of ditchings to study for ideas on what to do. Tuninter 1153 is a case where the pilot did just about everything wrong, except the ditching itself, where it was commented he at least landed it exactly as ATR wanted it to be done. Unfortunately ATRs are not the toughest airframe and even with the recommended touchdown it split into 3 parts with only the wingbox and empty fuel tanks remaining to float, which made a semi decent raft for the survivors. Then of course the Hudson event and a multitude of light aircraft both retracts and fixed gear are on record for a read.
Pipers small fleet POH usually has a statement that the emergency procedures are just for a quick refresh as emergencies such as power off landings/ditchings are part of the training syllabus so should be covered in pilot training and not really up to Piper to expand on. So if you read the POH it simply tells you to go speak to your instructor about it, but here's some common items that might be helpful to restart an engine or prepare for the landing, rather than the technique for achieving it.
It is worth some robust discussion over what is right, as it will vary slightly from aircraft to aircraft. Archer with spats and big tyres may well be better off slightly faster to skim with control, some other machines with shopping trolley wheels the opposite, slow as possible as it will bite hard no matter what, gear down or up if it's retractable and so on...
Things I think are worthwhile considering;
Carry lifejackets when operating near water, this incident shows even with land around you may end up in the drink. If time permits put the jacket on prior to landing and do not inflate it until you leave the aircraft. Even if you are a good swimmer the landing could knock you around enough to make it difficult, and its easier to just pull an unconscious passengers LJ and let them float until help arrives.
Doors/exits ajar prior to landing as long as they don't make life more difficult, pretty obvious if the fuselage twists the door could jam shut making escape difficult.
If you really want to avoid getting wet, fly higher over water so that there is always landing options on the hard stuff. If you have to fly over water make note of ships/boats oilrigs etc in the area as landing close to one should attract attention and possibly faster assistance. A large ship will take a long time to slow/turn around so don't expect it to come back quickly even if it does see you.
Never assume the craft will float after landing, get out and see what happens once outside.
Last edited by 43Inches; 27th Apr 2023 at 00:58.