Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed water taxi in rough water conditions, resulting in a collision with a dock.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that during high-speed taxi after a water landing, he encountered the wake from a boat. The sponson (float) "caught the water" on the second wave and the airplane made a right turn. The airplane subsequently impacted a dock resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA078 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 16, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mineral, Virginia
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
LAKE LA4-200
- N-number
- N1105L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.