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Pilot Lands Gear-Up in Field After Takeoff, Left Float Separates (N3121P)

Headland, AL, US

On April 30, 2002, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N3121P) operated by Robert K. Daugherty was involved in an aviation accident near Headland, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loss of engine power for undetermined reason resulting in damage to the airplane during the subsequent forced landing. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff on runway 17, the pilot retracted the landing gear but the airplane failed to climb. He turned back and executed a gear-up landing in a plowed field, causing left float separation and left wing impact.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff on runway 17, he retracted the landing gear. He noted that the airplane "did not continue to climb." He turned away from a populated area and headed back towards the airport. He stated that the airplane "did not appear to be developing adequate power and was descending." The pilot elected to keep the landing gear up and land in a soft plowed field, about 500 yards southeast of the airport.

Upon touchdown, the airplane's left float separated, and the left wing impacted with the ground.

Post-Accident Findings

After the accident, a test run on the engine revealed that the engine was run to 2600 RPM, and no discrepancies were found.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020507X00633. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.