Seamax Aircraft Ltda SEAMAX M-22 N154RL accident near Dahlgren Center, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off with a known tailwind.

NTSB analysis

After three aborted upwind water takeoff attempts due to water washing over the cockpit area and obstructing the view, the pilot attempted a downwind takeoff that prevented the water from cresting over the cockpit. Video footage showed that, after what appeared to be a normal takeoff run, the airplane rotated and lifted off; however, during the initial climb the airplane appeared to struggle to ascend. The wings rocked back and forth as the airplane climbed to about 200 ft above the water surface. The pilot then made a left turn; shortly after, the left wing dropped, and the airplane abruptly descended in a left spiral until it impacted the water.

On-board engine parameter data showed normal engine operation until the moment of impact. Postaccident airframe and engine examination did not reveal any preimpact malfunction or anomaly that would preclude normal operation or performance. While taking off with a tailwind and during the subsequent climb, the pilot likely failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. The airplane’s low altitude prevented recovery.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA203 for the full record.