# NTSB CHI87LA077: Lake LA-4-200, N6686L, Bridgman, MI, February 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 4, 1987, 13:55 local (18:55 UTC)
- Place: Bridgman, MI
- Coordinates: 41.93988, -86.560699 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9399&lon=-86.5607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13729
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA077
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13729/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA077

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM A SOFT FIELD. THE GEAR CAUGHT A RISE IN THE FIELD AND ACFT SETTLED BACK TO THE SOFT GROUND TEARING OFF THE NOSE WHEEL AND DAMAGING BOTH WINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6686L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6686L), registered now, S/N 449, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LAKE LA-4-200
- Registry model: [Lake LA-4-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/lake-la-4-200) (registry code 5110310) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 449
- Airframe hours: 600
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jerry L. Pfeiffer
- Registered owner: Jerry L Pfeiffer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 1, 1987
- Destination: C20, BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 429 total, 124 in this make and model, 266 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## FAA reports on this event (1)

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

- [Accident 19870204002929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870204002929A), Feb 4, 1987: Conaer LA4200, Bridgman, MI, Substantial damage. During takeoff from an open field, the aircraft settled into a small rise. Early liftoff during soft fied operation

## Other investigations on N6686L (1)

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.

- [NTSB SEA90LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA132), Jul 13, 1990: Lake LA-4-200 (N6686L), Bellingham, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: COLLISION WITH A SUBMERGED OBJECT.

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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