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NTSB Report

August 17, 2003 · Aerofab LAKE 250 · N8550U

Phippsburg, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Phippsburg, ME
Aircraft
Aerofab LAKE 250
Tail Number
N8550U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA178

The pilot overflew the pond prior to landing, and did not observe any boat traffic, or debris on the water. He performed one touch-and-go landing, and returned for a second landing. The touchdown was "normal," and during the landing rollout the airplane started to come off the step and began to turn to the left, "like it had hooked something." The pilot taxied to the shore and docked the airplane, at which time he realized he "must have hit something on the bottom of the pond," since there was mud in the lower nose gear doors.

NTSB Probable Cause

The airplane's collision with a submerged object during a water landing.

Full Narrative

On August 17, 2003, at 1200 eastern daylight time, a Lake 250 amphibian airplane, N8550U, was substantially damaged during landing on Center Pond, Phippsburg, Maine. The airline transport pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he overflow the pond prior to landing, and did not observe any boat traffic, or debris on the water. He performed one touch-and-go landing, and returned for a second landing. The touchdown was "normal," and during the landing rollout the airplane started to come off the step and began to turn to the left, "like it had hooked something." The pilot taxied to the shore and docked the airplane, at which time he realized he "must have hit something on the bottom of the pond," since there was mud in the lower nose gear doors. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, the left wing, left wing spar, and left sponson sustained substantial damage. No mechanical deficiencies were noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerofab LAKE 250
Tail NumberN8550U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data