Pilot Debrief

MCKENNA JAMES E AVID-CATAL near Inks Lake, TX — 2009-09-30

Final reportCEN09LA611
Sign in to save
Date
2009-09-30
Location
Inks Lake, TX, USA
Airport
BMQ
Aircraft
MCKENNA JAMES E AVID-CATAL
Registration
N1945J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to take off with a known airframe deficiency.

NTSB narrative

The amphibian airplane had a known history of taking on water when operating on the water. On the day of the accident, the pilot attempted to take off, but was unable. He had commented to a witness that he could not take off due to the water in the plane. The pilot removed the airplane from the lake and attempted to drain the water for about 15 minutes before he attempted another takeoff. Witnesses observed the airplane accelerate across the lake, pull up into a steep angle to about 50 feet, and then bank left into the water. Due to impact damage, inspectors on scene could not determine how water may have leaked into the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted to trailer the airplane instead of attempting takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

Related mishaps