NTSB Accidents

The pilot’s unstable approach to land, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue an approach in sun glare conditions.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines/poles and terrain while maneuvering for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

The pilot’s mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation.

A loss of left engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an emergency descent with one engine inoperative and inadvertent collision with transmission lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to respond appropriately to the emergency due to impairment from his previous use of cocaine and multiple other impairing drugs.

The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a forced landing.

Failure of the engine/propeller drive belt.

A partially engaged right wheel brake, which restricted the airplane’s acceleration and the pilot’s ability to pitch to takeoff attitude, and resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway excursion.

The pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear on the amphibious airplane prior to a water landing, resulting in a nose over and structural damage to the airframe. The mechanic’s failure to remove electrical tape from the pitot tube, the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, and the pilot’s failure to visually confirm the landing gear position prior to touchdown were all factors in the accident.