Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a takeoff from water in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that he landed on a river uneventfully. After taxiing on the river for a while, he noticed that the wind had increased when he attempted to take off. As soon as the airplane lifted off from the water, it settled back down and violently turned 90°. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he was able to taxi to a boat ramp after the impact with water. The airplane’s empennage was substantially damaged during the accident.
The reported weather at an airport located 28 miles away from the accident site, about the time of the accident, included a left quartering headwind at 9 knots, gusting to 22 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA324 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 25, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Catskill, New York
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Lake LA4
- N-number
- N1166L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.