Probable cause
The failure of the student pilot to ensure that the experimental seaplane was airworthy prior to take off.
NTSB analysis
In an email sent to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), by the student pilot, he reported that the experimental seaplane experienced a partial loss of engine power during takeoff about 400 feet above the ground. The student pilot stated that he turned the experimental seaplane toward the lake but as he ran out of "speed," he "pitched it to the right into some trees."
A postaccident examination of the engine by the FAA ASI revealed that the fuel supply line to the forward carburetor was cracked and leaking. The cracked portion of the line was about ½ inch outboard of the carburetor fuel intake fitting.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage when it impacted trees.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA143 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 17, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fenton, Michigan
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built II
- N-number
- N1204A
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.