Pilot Debrief

GOOD JAMES AIR CAM near Caswell Beach, NC — 2023-07-07

Final reportCEN23LA290
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Date
2023-07-07
Location
Caswell Beach, NC, USA
Aircraft
GOOD JAMES AIR CAM
Registration
N38HP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly evaluate the sea state during an open sea landing and subsequent takeoff attempt resulting in an inadvertent impact with the water.

NTSB narrative

After a successful landing in the open sea, the pilot reported that the water was rougher than it appeared from the air and while making a subsequent take off attempt, the right float caught a swell and the airplane spun to the right resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The airplane came to rest inverted in the water. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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