Probable cause
The pilot’s improper decision to take off with a known structural issue, which resulted in hull damage.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-built amphibious airplane, during takeoff from a lake, the airplane bounced twice, but on the third bounce, the hull "gave way." Water entered the airplane, and the pilot exited through the canopy.
The pilot reported that the hull had been repaired previously, but it still had "some leakage" after the repair. Substantial damage was sustained to the forward left side of the hull where the sponson was attached.
Photographs provided by the Federal Aviation Administration showed long-term water damage to the plywood and fiberglass hull structure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA329 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 7, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Malone, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built COOT
- N-number
- N100TN
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- 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.