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July 16, 1988 · Lake LA-4-200 · N5033L

Candlewood Lake, CT

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 16, 1988
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Candlewood Lake, CT
Aircraft
Lake LA-4-200
Tail Number
N5033L
Operator
James a Marquis
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC88LA182

THE LA-4-200 MADE A TAKEOFF UNDER REPORTED CONDITIONS OF GUSTY WIND AND WAVES OF 1 TO 2 FEET. THE MAXIMUM DEMONSTRATED WAVE HEIGHT FOR THE AIRCRAFT IS 1 FOOT. THE PILOT REPORTED HE ABORTED THE TAKEOFF DUE TO A PERSON ON A JET SKI IN HIS WAY AND AS HE TRIED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT A WING DUG INTO THE WATER AND THE AIRCRAFT WATERLOOPED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS TWO PASSENGERS AND HIMSELF WERE RESCUED BY BOATERS AND THE AIRCRAFT SANK WITHIN 15 SECONDS. NO WITNESSES WERE FOUND WHO SAW THE JET SKI. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON.

Full Narrative

THE LA-4-200 MADE A TAKEOFF UNDER REPORTED CONDITIONS OF GUSTY WIND AND WAVES OF 1 TO 2 FEET. THE MAXIMUM DEMONSTRATED WAVE HEIGHT FOR THE AIRCRAFT IS 1 FOOT. THE PILOT REPORTED HE ABORTED THE TAKEOFF DUE TO A PERSON ON A JET SKI IN HIS WAY AND AS HE TRIED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT A WING DUG INTO THE WATER AND THE AIRCRAFT WATERLOOPED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS TWO PASSENGERS AND HIMSELF WERE RESCUED BY BOATERS AND THE AIRCRAFT SANK WITHIN 15 SECONDS. NO WITNESSES WERE FOUND WHO SAW THE JET SKI. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportCandlewood Lake (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLake LA-4-200
Tail NumberN5033L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames a Marquis
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1B · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data