Aviat Pilot Loses Control On Takeoff

The pilot was performing a takeoff in an amphibious, float-equipped Aviat A-1C-180 near South Park, Indiana.

During the takeoff, he lost control, the plane pitched forward, the floats dug into the water, and the airplane became airborne. The airplane rolled to the left, the left wing tip struck the water, and subsequently nosed over.

During the accident, the right wing, right aileron, and left wing strut were substantially damaged.

When asked by the responding officer what he thought the cause of the accident was, he stated that it was a result of being a little high and slow on his approach, and the airplane hit the water hard, causing damage to the plane.

The pilot later told investigators that there was a mechanical failure of the left float that was the result of a hard landing on asphalt five weeks before the accident. He did not have any documentation of damage from the hard landing.

He later stated that the takeoff did not feel right and that during the entire flight he had to correct for the left wing dropping.

The pilot also told the responding officer that he did not examine all the components of the airplane before taking off.

After reviewing video footage of the accident, it is unlikely that there were any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff.

NTSB Identification: 194843

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This August 2024 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.