On June 30, 1984, a Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. LAKE LA-4-200 (registration N1211L) operated by Richard Causley was involved in an aviation accident near Marathon, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control while flying low over the ocean after encountering the wake of a large boat, due to alcohol impairment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying low over the ocean crashed after his aircraft hit the wake of a large boat, causing it to flip and cartwheel into the water. Blood tests revealed significant alcohol impairment.
What happened
The pilot reported that he was conducting a flight at a very low altitude in level flight over the ocean when the aircraft encountered the turbulent wake generated by a large boat. Upon impact with this wake, the plane flipped over. Witnesses observed the aircraft initiating a right turn while maintaining its low altitude before the right wing struck the water surface. The plane then cartwheeled through the water and crashed.
The investigation
Post-accident testing of the pilot revealed significant impairment. A blood sample taken from the pilot showed an alcohol concentration of 0.16%, which is well above the legal limit for operating an aircraft.
Findings
The crash was directly caused by the aircraft hitting the wake from a large boat. Contributing to the severity and nature of the accident was the pilot's elevated blood alcohol level, which likely impaired his ability to maintain control or react appropriately to the unexpected turbulence.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control while flying low over the ocean after encountering the wake of a large boat, due to alcohol impairment.