# NTSB BFO87DIA01: Lake LA-4, N527B, Stafford, VA, May 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1987, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Stafford, VA
- Location: 38.4221° N, 77.4083° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Stafford, VA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4221&lon=-77.4083&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11263
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO87DIA01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11263/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87DIA01

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - submerged object (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A SUBMERGED OBJECT WHICH PENETRATED THE HULL AND DISLODGED THE RIGHT PONTOON. THE AIRCRAFT SANK IN APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET OF WATER AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THE PILOT AND HIS TWO PASSENGERS WERE NOT INJURED. A BOAT CAME BY SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND TOWED THE AIRCRAFT INTO SHORE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N527B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N527B-2023-03-04), registration cancelled 2023-03-04, S/N 375 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LAKE LA-4
- Registry model: [Lake LA-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/lake-la-4) (registry code 5110302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 375
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Shelton, John W. Jr.
- Registered owner: Knestaut, Ronald
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 17,557 total, 40 in this make and model, 17,400 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Incident 19870517021429I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870517021429I), May 17, 1987: Conaer LA4, Stafford, VA, Substantial damage. Aircrafts hull struck a submerged object during a water takeoff run, amphiban partially sank in the river.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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