Pilot Debrief

LAKE LA4 near Catskill, NY — 2024-07-25

Final reportERA24LA324
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Date
2024-07-25
Location
Catskill, NY, USA
Aircraft
LAKE LA4
Registration
N1166L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a takeoff from water in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that he landed on a river uneventfully. After taxiing on the river for a while, he noticed that the wind had increased when he attempted to take off. As soon as the airplane lifted off from the water, it settled back down and violently turned 90°. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he was able to taxi to a boat ramp after the impact with water. The airplane’s empennage was substantially damaged during the accident. The reported weather at an airport located 28 miles away from the accident site, about the time of the accident, included a left quartering headwind at 9 knots, gusting to 22 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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