Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper decision to take off with a known structural issue, which resulted in hull damage.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-built amphibious airplane, during takeoff from a lake, the airplane bounced twice, but on the third bounce, the hull "gave way." Water entered the airplane, and the pilot exited through the canopy. The pilot reported that the hull had been repaired previously, but it still had "some leakage" after the repair. Substantial damage was sustained to the forward left side of the hull where the sponson was attached. Photographs provided by the Federal Aviation Administration showed long-term water damage to the plywood and fiberglass hull structure.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-built amphibious airplane, during takeoff on a lake the airplane bounced twice, but on the third bounce the hull "gave way." The airplane took on water and the pilot exited through the canopy. The hull failure occurred to the front left side where the sponson was attached. The pilot reported that the hull had been repaired previously, but it still had "some leakage" after the repair. Substantial damage was sustained to the forward left side of the hull. Photographs provided by the FAA showed long-term water damage to the plywood and fiberglass hull structure.