LAKE LA-4 near Monticello, KY — 2013-09-06

Probable cause

An encounter with a large wave during water taxi, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he made a pass over the lake in search of a landing site with the least amount of boat traffic. After an uneventful water landing, he began to water taxi the airplane; however, his passenger and he noticed a large wave approaching at a 45 degree angle from the port side of the airplane. As the wave impacted the airplane’s pontoons, the pilot encountered a strong left rudder deflection and the airplane nosed over into the water. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the airplane’s nose section. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Nose over/nose down · Taxi

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Record of Conversation, FAA Telephone Interviewinterview
• Record of Conversation, Pilot Telephone Interviewinterview
• Photograph 1: View of Airplane from Forward Section (Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Weather Reports and Recordsreport

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