Probable cause
The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after an inadvertent takeoff, which resulted in collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The noncertificated pilot reported that he was testing the amphibious airplane's engine and cooling system while maneuvering the airplane on a nearby lake. He added that he had "no intent to fly." The pilot completed a number of passes across the lake. Before the last pass, he input full flaps, which resulted in the airplane inadvertently becoming airborne and climbing to about 100 ft. The pilot attempted to steer away from trees, but he lost control of the airplane, which then impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA411 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Waterville, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AVID AMPHIBIAN
- N-number
- N4118X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1994
- 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.