Amphibious Aircraft Sinks in Araguaia River Following Loss of Control

Casualties unknown • ARUANÃ, GO, BR

A Lake 250 aircraft sank in the Araguaia River during a touch-and-go maneuver, resulting in heavy damage but no injuries to the three occupants.

What happened

On July 18, 2009, a LAKE 250 amphibious aircraft, registration PT-ODP, was performing a local flight near Aruanã, Goiás, when the pilot attempted a touch-and-go maneuver on the Aragua and Araguaia River. While the aircraft was still in contact with the water surface during the go-around phase, the pilot lost directional control. The aircraft began to skid across the water and, after coming to a complete stop, drifted until it eventually sank.

The impact and subsequent submersion caused significant damage to the airframe. The aircraft's floats detached from the wings, and holes were created in the fuselage, allowing water to enter the structure. Despite the severity of the sinking, the pilot and the two passengers escaped the wreckage uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined several possibilities regarding the loss of control. While the presence of boat wakes was considered, the pilot had specifically selected a section of the river free of vessel traffic. Investigators also noted that the river area contained sandbanks that are difficult to detect from low altitudes. It was hypothesized that the aircraft may have encountered an unseen sandbank or a submerged obstacle, such as a large rock or a floating log, which could have caused a wing to dip and the float to catch the water, triggering the skid.

The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the aircraft's mechanical condition. The aircraft was found to be airworthy with all maintenance records up to date, and there were no indications of prior malfunctions in the flight control system.

Findings

  • The pilot's limited experience with amphibious operations and specifically with the LAKE 250 model contributed to the inability to recover control once the skid began.
  • Ineffective application of flight controls during the critical phase of the maneuver was a contributing factor.
  • The presence of submerged hazards, such as sandbanks or floating debris, may have destabilized the aircraft during the go-around.
  • The separation of the floats and damage to the fuselage led to the eventual sinking of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The loss of directional control during a touch-and-go maneuver was likely caused by the aircraft encountering an underwater obstacle or sandbank, compounded by the pilot's limited experience in managing the resulting skid.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-07-18 aircraft accident near ARUANÃ, GO, BR?

A Lake 250 aircraft sank in the Araguaia River during a touch-and-go maneuver, resulting in heavy damage but no injuries to the three occupants.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-07-18 involved a aircraft, registration PTODP, at ARUANÃ, GO, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control during a touch-and-go maneuver was likely caused by the aircraft encountering an underwater obstacle or sandbank, compounded by the pilot's limited experience in managing the resulting skid.

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