N85213

Substantial
None

LAKE LA-4-200S/N: 1094

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
NTSB Number
ERA09CA121
Location
Apopka, FL
Event ID
20090102X45707
Coordinates
28.611665, -81.596946
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
LAKE
Serial Number
1094
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1983
Model / ICAO
LA-4-200LA4
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
LA-4-200

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ROTAIVA
Address
4444 MOORPARK WAY APT 102
City
TOLUCA LAKE
State / Zip Code
CA 91602-2464
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot of a Lake 4-200 EP, he was conducting water landings to a lake. He completed two landings and was climbing the airplane for a third, when, about 200 feet above the water, he reduced power to simulate a "power out or reduced power landing." As the pilot "attempted to round out the glide for the landing," he could not arrest the descent, and the airplane landed hard. The pilot took off again, then made a precautionary water landing to a full stop. The airplane and engine appeared to be undamaged, so the pilot took off again and made two touch and go landings to another lake, followed by a full stop landing. At that point the engine sounded "rough," so the pilot taxied to shore. There, it was determined that a propeller blade tip was missing, that a propeller strike had occurred to the turtle top, and that the hull was taking on water. Mechanics later changed the propeller, and the airplane was deemed airworthy to fly to another location for further inspection. A few days later, structural damage was found to cross frames in the hull. Weather at a nearby airport, about the time of the hard landing, included clear skies and calm winds.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA121