Pilot Debrief

KENNETH A BERGER SEAREY LSX near Electric City, WA — 2014-05-24

Final reportWPR14FA209
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Date
2014-05-24
Location
Electric City, WA, USA
Aircraft
KENNETH A BERGER SEAREY LSX
Registration
N249PW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during takeoff after encountering a boat wake, which resulted in the airplane bouncing, impacting the water’s surface, and subsequently becoming submerged.

NTSB narrative

According to witnesses, the private pilot of the experimental, amateur-built, high-wing, amphibious airplane was attempting to take off from the lake, which was choppy due to numerous boat wakes. Witnesses reported that the airplane started a high-speed run but that the engine then throttled back, and the airplane turned toward the beach. The airplane then abruptly turned 180 degrees and started another high-speed run. While on the step for the final takeoff attempt, the airplane encountered a boat wake, bounced 4 to 5 ft, and then abruptly nosed down into the lake. The airplane came to an abrupt stop with a 20- to 30-ft-high splash. When witnesses arrived in their boats, the airplane's high wings were level with the water's surface, and the aft-facing, pylon-mounted engine was still running. Swimmers entered the water and recovered the pilot from the submerged cabin. Shortly thereafter, the airplane sank. The submerged airplane could not be located during a subsequent search by local law enforcement, and the wreckage was not recovered.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have heeded warnings about the airplane's water level before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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