# NTSB ERA14CA229: Gingras Michel Aventura II, N543MG, Punta Gorda, FL, April 27, 2014

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: April 27, 2014, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Punta Gorda, FL
- Coordinates: 26.722221, -82.07389 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.7222&lon=-82.0739&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 30, 2014
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 89186
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA14CA229
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89186/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89186
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA229

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while operating at a low altitude.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Gingras Michel AVENTURA II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=05627IR), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Gingras Michel AVENTURA II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05627IR), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Gingras Michel AVENTURA II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=05627IR), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Gingras Michel AVENTURA II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=05627IR), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md)
- [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Gingras Michel AVENTURA II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05627IR), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane stated the purpose of the flight was to "scout for fish." While flying 30 feet above the water the airplane encountered a "huge gust of wind" and then bounced off the water surface multiple times. The pilot applied full power to reestablish flight but the right pontoon contacted the water and the airplane "ground looped." Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.

## Factual narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane stated the purpose of the flight was to "scout for fish." While flying 30 feet above the water the airplane encountered a "huge gust of wind" and then bounced off the water surface multiple times. The pilot applied full power to reestablish flight but the right pontoon contacted the water and the airplane "ground looped." Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N543MG](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N543MG), registered now, S/N AA2A0148, built 2009 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GINGRAS MICHEL AVENTURA II
- Registry model: [Gingras Michel AVENTURA II](https://openairdocs.org/model/gingras-michel-aventura-ii) (registry code 05627IR) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Rotax 912ULS series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-912uls-series) (registry code 55572, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: AA2A0148
- Year built: 2009
- Airframe hours: 441
- Engines: ROTAX 912ULS reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John Keyworth
- Registered owner: Claus Donna M
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, October 5, 2013, 35 hours before
- Departed: PGD, PUNTA GORDA, FL
- Destination: PGD, PUNTA GORDA, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; last flight review November 12, 2013; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,386.3 total, 33.7 in this make and model, 1,386.3 as pilot in command, 9.8 in the last 90 days, 3.7 in the last 30 days, 3.7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.96 inHg
- Observed at: PGD, 14 nm away

## Docket (5 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 18, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89186. 2.1 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40413448&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF
- FAA Statement (item 2, .PDF, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40413449&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Statement-Redacted.PDF
- Memorandum of Record - Weather (item 3, .PDF, 202 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40413450&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20-%20Weather-Master.PDF
- Photo 1. Airplane in Hangar (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 4, .PDF, 121 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40413451&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201.%20Airplane%20in%20Hangar%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 2. Airplane in Hangar (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 5, .PDF, 88 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40413452&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202.%20Airplane%20in%20Hangar%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF

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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