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. 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.
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.