Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. LAKE LA-4-200 N4GS accident near Moore Haven, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a water landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the amphibious airplane was performing numerous touch-and-go water landings to a lake. During the last landing, to the south, the airplane touched down with the nose a "little bit" to the right, the left sponson then hit the water, and the airplane water looped. Several minutes later, the airplane sank to the bottom of the lake. The airplane incurred substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane prior to the accident. A weather observation taken about the time of the accident, and approximately 25 miles north of the accident site, included winds from 180 degrees true at 8 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA223 for the full record.