Casualties unknown

1985-09-23: Aerofab Inc. LAKE LA-4-250 (N1401K) — Samuel C. Stoia — Medley, FL

Medley, FL, US

On September 23, 1985, an Aerofab Inc. LAKE LA-4-250 (registration N1401K) operated by Samuel C. Stoia was involved in an aviation accident near Medley, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot whose airman certificate was under suspension and who lacked a seaplane rating attempted a downwind takeoff from a lake. The aircraft struck a dirt and rock bank, flipped upside down, and came to rest on the shore.

Accident Sequence

An accident occurred on a lake when a pilot attempted a takeoff under non-standard conditions. The pilot, who was not rated for seaplane operations and whose airman certificate was under suspension, initiated the takeoff from an intermediate point on the lake's surface. The takeoff was performed downwind, contrary to typical procedures.

During the takeoff roll, a passenger, who also lacked a seaplane rating, expressed concern about the success of the maneuver. According to the pilot's statement, the passenger then closed the throttle in an attempt to abort the takeoff. Subsequently, the aircraft continued and collided with a bank composed of dirt and rocks at the edge of the lake. The impact caused the aircraft to flip upside down, and it came to rest out of the lake on the adjacent shore.

Pilot Background

The pilot involved in the accident held an airman certificate that was under suspension at the time of the event. Additionally, the pilot did not possess a seaplane rating, which is typically required for operating aircraft on water. The passenger was also not rated for seaplane operations.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37839. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.