Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to properly evaluate the sea state during an open sea landing and subsequent takeoff attempt resulting in an inadvertent impact with the water.
NTSB analysis
After a successful landing in the open sea, the pilot reported that the water was rougher than it appeared from the air and while making a subsequent take off attempt, the right float caught a swell and the airplane spun to the right resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The airplane came to rest inverted in the water. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA290 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 7, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Caswell Beach, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AIR CAM
- N-number
- N38HP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.