Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare that resulted in a hard landing and subsequent separation of the airplane's sponson.
NTSB analysis
The pilot initially reported that while landing the amphibious airplane on a lake, the left sponson struck a submerged object and separated from the airplane causing substantial damage. A subsequent examination of the airplane showed no evidence that the sponson had impacted anything. No preexisting anomalies were found with respect to the airplane, sponson, or sponson attachment. The pilot did not respond to repeated requests for information from the NTSB.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA424 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Racine, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. LAKE LA-4-200
- N-number
- N56LA
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.