# NTSB MIA85FA261: Aerofab Lake LA-4-250, N1401K, Medley, FL, September 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 23, 1985, 12:35 local (16:35 UTC)
- Place: Medley, FL
- Coordinates: 25.849052, -80.410705 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.8491&lon=-80.4107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31268
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85FA261
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31268/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85FA261

## 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
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - all available runway - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - attempted, other person (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE NON SEAPLANE RATED PLT WHOSE AIRMAN CERTIFICATE WAS UNDER SUSPENSION. ATTEMPTED A DOWNWIND TAKE-OFF FROM AN INTERMEDIATE POINT ON THE LAKE'S SURFACE. THE PLT STATED HE THOUGHT THE NON SEAPLANE RATED PLT/PAX ATTEMPTED TO ABORT THE TAKE-OFF BY CLOSING THE THROTTLE AFTER STATING THAT HE, THE PLT/PAX, THOUGHT WE WEREN'T GOING TO MAKE IT. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A DIRT & ROCK BANK AT THE LAKE'S EDGE & FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN OUT OF THE LAKE & UNTO THE SHORE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1401K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1401K-2012-12-07), registration cancelled 2012-12-07, S/N 11, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Aerofab Inc. LAKE LA-4-250 (LAKE LA-4-)
- Registry model: [Aerofab LAKE LA-4-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerofab-lake-la-4-250) (registry code 5110320) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1
- Airframe hours: 42
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-C4B5 1 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Samuel C. Stoia
- Registered owner: Brinson Air, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TMP, MIAMI, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MIA, 6 nm away

## 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 19850923061319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850923061319A), Sep 23, 1985: Conaer LA4250, Medley, FL, Substantial damage. Aborted downwind takeoff, hit bank, nosed over. No seaplane rating or owners permission. Pilots license suspended.

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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