On March 14, 2004, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N65675) was involved in an aviation accident near Cusick, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for crosswind conditions and his failure to maintain proper alignment in the direction of landing during the touchdown portion of a water landing on a river. Factors include crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a water landing on a river with a crosswind and gusts, a pilot inadvertently touched down with a sideways drift, causing the left wing to dig into the water and sustain damage. The pilot taxied to shore to avoid potential sinking.
Accident Details
A pilot was conducting a series of water landings on a river. The wind was from the side at 10 knots with occasional gusts near 15 knots. During the accident landing, the pilot inadvertently allowed the aircraft to touch down in a sideways drift. As a result, the left wing dug into the water, damaging the left wing sponson and the wing structure.
Post-Accident Actions
Immediately after the landing, the pilot taxied the aircraft to the shore of a small island in the river. This was done to prevent the possibility of the aircraft sinking if it was taking on water. During the taxi, the tip of the left wing remained submerged.
Inspection Findings
A post-accident inspection by an FAA Inspector found no evidence of a flight control anomaly. The pilot also reported no indication of any functional problem with the aircraft prior to the accident.