NTSB Identification: GAA15CA086
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident
occurred
Friday, May 22, 2015
in
Glenwood, MN
Probable Cause Approval Date:
07/08/2015
Aircraft:
CONSOLIDATED AERONAUTICS INC. LAKE LA 4 200, registration:
N613LC
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
NTSB
investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but
not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator
and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this
aircraft accident report.
The pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that he made a normal approach to landing with near glassy water conditions. Shortly after contact with the water, the right sponson separated and the right wing impacted the water, causing the airplane to spin 180 degrees and come to a stop.
The pilot attempted to water taxi to shore, but the cabin area began taking on water. Before reaching the shore, the pilot and passenger decided to perform an emergency evacuation and boarded a boat that had come to provide assistance. The airplane sunk after the pilot and passenger evacuated the airplane.
During a post-accident interview with the pilot, he stated that "the right wing may have dipped" during landing and reported "significant damage" to the right wing flap after the sponson separated during the touchdown. The airplane was later recovered, but the right sponson was not located. A Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector observed damage to the right wing at the wing root and noted the sponson detachment does not appear to have been due to any design or assembly issue.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that he made a normal approach to landing with near glassy water conditions. Shortly after contact with the water, the right sponson separated and the right wing impacted the water, causing the airplane to spin 180 degrees and come to a stop.
The pilot attempted to water taxi to shore, but the cabin area began taking on water. Before reaching the shore, the pilot and passenger decided to perform an emergency evacuation and boarded a boat that had come to provide assistance. The airplane sunk after the pilot and passenger evacuated the airplane.
During a post-accident interview with the pilot, he stated that "the right wing may have dipped" during landing and reported "significant damage" to the right wing flap after the sponson separated during the touchdown. The airplane was later recovered, but the right sponson was not located. A Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector observed damage to the right wing at the wing root and noted the sponson detachment does not appear to have been due to any design or assembly issue.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
- The pilot's improper lateral/ bank level off during the landing flare, which resulted in the right wing impacting the water and a subsequent loss of control.
The landing flare is a maneuver or stage during the landing of an aircraft. The flare follows the final approach phase and precedes the touchdown and roll-out phases of landing. In the flare the nose of the plane is raised, slowing the descent rate, and the proper altitude is set for touchdown.