Event GAA19CA563

Factual narrative

The pilot in the float-equipped airplane reported that, he did not extend the flaps before he accelerated for takeoff. Shortly after coming on step, "I rolled the ailerons to the left and applied back pressure to the yoke to become airborne." However, the airplane did not become airborne before the floats struck the tundra, the airplane bounced and skidded to a stop, upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left elevator. The pilot reported that he had not maintained a sterile cockpit during takeoff, and he failed to complete the Before Takeoff Checklist. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot in the float-equipped airplane reported that he did not extend the flaps before he accelerated for takeoff from a lake. He added that, shortly after coming on step, he rolled the ailerons left and applied back pressure to the elevator to "become airborne." However, the airplane did not become airborne, and the floats subsequently impacted the shoreline. The airplane then bounced, skidded to a stop, impacted rising terrain, and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left elevator. The pilot reported that he had not maintained a sterile cockpit during takeoff and that he failed to complete the Before Takeoff checklist. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Attention-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Flight control system-LE flap control system-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Configuration-Incorrect use/operation - C
• F Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of checklist-Pilot - F
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Rough terrain-Effect on operation