Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain directional control during a water touchdown.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was performing a water landing in a cove with gusty wind conditions. The airplane touched down twice and, on the third touchdown, veered violently to the left. He believed that he either “chined and waterlooped” or that the left sponson contacted the water first. Both sponsons and the left wing tip were substantially damaged. Additionally, the left side of the airplane’s nose and left fuselage at the pilot entry station were wrinkled and bent.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA151 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 1, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lake Havasu City, Arizona
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Lake LA-4-200
- N-number
- N32LB
- 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.