Pilot Debrief

HANSON LONN AVID AMPHIBIAN near Waterville, MN — 2014-08-02

Final reportCEN14LA411
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Date
2014-08-02
Location
Waterville, MN, USA
Aircraft
HANSON LONN AVID AMPHIBIAN
Registration
N4118X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after an inadvertent takeoff, which resulted in collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot reported that he was testing the amphibious airplane's engine and cooling system while maneuvering the airplane on a nearby lake. He added that he had "no intent to fly." The pilot completed a number of passes across the lake. Before the last pass, he input full flaps, which resulted in the airplane inadvertently becoming airborne and climbing to about 100 ft. The pilot attempted to steer away from trees, but he lost control of the airplane, which then impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have sought help from a certificated pilot or mechanic before testing the engine.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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