Lake Aircraft La-4-200

Single Piston

The Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer is an American four-seat amphibious aircraft that represents one of the most successful light amphibian designs in general aviation history. Built by Lake Aircraft (originally Colonial Aircraft, later Revomaster Aero), the LA-4 series first flew in 1959 and remained in production for decades, with the -200 variant introduced in 1970 featuring a more powerful 200-horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine. Its distinctive pusher-propeller configuration mounted above the wing keeps the engine clear of water spray during takeoff and landing, while the all-metal hull and retractable landing gear allow operations from both water and conventional runways. The Buccaneer found its niche serving remote communities, wilderness lodges, and adventure operators in regions where lakes and rivers provide the primary transportation infrastructure. With a cruise speed around 120 knots and useful load of approximately 1,000 pounds, it bridges the gap between pure seaplanes and land-only aircraft, offering genuine go-anywhere capability. The type's relatively benign handling characteristics and robust construction made it popular with bush operators in Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest, though its amphibious versatility comes at the cost of reduced performance compared to land-only aircraft of similar power. SkyMeter has tracked 2 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with NORTHWEST LAND & SEA WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS the largest observed operator.