CONSOLIDATED AERONAUTICS INC. LAKE LA-4
Morganton, NC — November 14, 2015
Event Information
| Date | November 14, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA062 |
| Event ID | 20151125X30741 |
| Location | Morganton, NC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.76111, -81.72389 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CONSOLIDATED AERONAUTICS INC. |
| Model | LAKE LA-4 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the departure, resulting in substantial damage to the airplanes right wing.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the amphibious airplane, during the takeoff run on a lake with choppy water, the airplane encountered about a six inch high wave and water-looped. The pilot reported that upon encountering the wave, the airplane's nose pitched up, the airplane ascended momentarily, then settled to the water. When the airplane settled into the water, the right sponson and wing impacted the water and immediately spun the aircraft to the right. The airplanes right wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.