On September 1, 1995, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N5TB) was involved in an aviation accident near Seaside Heights, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff from a water surface with waves and boat wakes, which resulted in an engine flameout or mechanical failure at low altitude and subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An amphibious airplane experienced a total engine power loss approximately 10 feet above the water surface during initial climb. The pilot executed a forced landing back onto the water, resulting in a buckled fuselage due to a nose-down impact attitude.
What happened
The pilot departed an amphibious aircraft from a body of water characterized by both natural waves and wake generated by passing boats. During the initial phase of takeoff, as the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 10 feet above the water surface, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. Unable to maintain flight, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft back onto the water for an emergency landing. The impact resulted in a slightly nose-down attitude, which caused structural damage to the airframe.
The investigation
Following the incident, an operational check of the engine was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. Mechanics inspected the system and reported that no abnormalities were detected during this post-incident evaluation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff from a water surface with waves and boat wakes, which resulted in an engine flameout or mechanical failure at low altitude and subsequent forced landing.