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Casualties unknown

Flight Instructor's Aircraft Submerged After Encountering Powerboat Wake (N2596P)

Battle Creek, MI, US

On June 1, 1991, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N2596P) operated by Brook Aero, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Battle Creek, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control while taxiing on the water after encountering a powerboat wake, which resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne and subsequently sinking. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor's aircraft became airborne after hitting a powerboat wake during taxiing. Despite attempts to recover, the plane pitched down and sank nose-first into the water.

What happened

The incident occurred while the aircraft was taxiing on the surface of the water. During this phase of ground movement, the pilot encountered the wake generated by a passing powerboat. The force of the wave lifted the aircraft into the air, causing it to become airborne unexpectedly.

In response to the sudden ascent, the student pilot reduced engine power. This action caused the nose of the plane to pitch downward sharply. The certified flight instructor (CFI) immediately took control of the aircraft in an attempt to stabilize the situation. However, the descent could not be arrested. The aircraft struck the water surface at approximately a 30-degree angle, with the nose leading the impact.

Following the collision with the water, the nose section filled rapidly. The weight of the incoming water caused the aircraft to sink completely beneath the surface.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control while taxiing on the water after encountering a powerboat wake, which resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne and subsequently sinking.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17212. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.