Amateur-built AVENTURA II N258RS accident near Culebrita Beach, Puerto Rico

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb, which resulted in abnormal contact with the water and a subsequent collision with vegetation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during an eastbound departure from ocean waters in the amphibious airplane, he encountered a strong gust of wind from the southeast that resulted in a loss of control. Video footage of the accident sequence showed that after liftoff, the airplane entered a steep left bank, and the left wing contacted the water near the shoreline. The airplane subsequently leveled on the surface of the water, and the right wing impacted shoreline vegetation, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA047 for the full record.