Incident Details
On July 31, 2021, at 14:15 UTC, a Lake Buccaneer LA-4-200, registration LV-OAW, experienced a system/component failure (non-powerplant) during approach to Concepción del Uruguay Airport in Entre Ríos, Argentina. The pilot was unable to confirm that the landing gear was down and locked. In response, the pilot executed a go-around and performed an intentional water landing on the Uruguay River, leveraging the aircraft's amphibious capabilities. The two occupants evacuated the aircraft without injuries. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a single-engine, high-wing amphibious flying boat manufactured by Lake Aircraft. It was privately owned and operated. The flight was a general aviation pleasure flight lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes, with departure and destination both at Concepción del Uruguay.
Investigation Outcome
The Argentine aviation authority (Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte) initiated an investigation but subsequently decided to discontinue it, citing that the lessons expected were not impactful for improving operational safety. No probable cause was determined, and the case was filed. Weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC).