On August 16, 1987, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N59FC) was involved in an aviation accident near Grafton, WV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a water landing, an aircraft encountered a boat wake, causing a 20-foot bounce. The pilot applied full power but impacted the water. On go-around, the aircraft struck trees and descended nose down.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot's account, during the water landing the aircraft encountered the wake of a boat that had crossed its path. This wake caused the aircraft to bounce approximately 20 feet high. The pilot applied full power in an attempt to recover, but the aircraft subsequently impacted the water.
Go-Around and Terrain Impact
Recognizing that the aircraft was approaching the shoreline and that there was insufficient landing distance remaining on the lake, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, the pilot was unable to achieve a positive climb before the aircraft impacted trees and descended to the ground in a nose-down attitude.