Lake Aircraft La-4-200

Single Piston

The Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer represents one of general aviation's most practical answers to the amphibious flying boat question. Built by Lake Aircraft (originally Colonial Aircraft, later Revomaster and Armand's Aircraft) from the 1960s through multiple ownership changes, the LA-4 series brought affordable water-and-land capability to private pilots who wanted genuine go-anywhere flexibility without the complexity of a twin. The -200 variant, introduced in the early 1970s, upgraded the original LA-4's 180-horsepower engine to a 200-hp Lycoming IO-360, improving climb performance and useful load—critical factors when operating off short mountain lakes or hot-day coastal harbors. With its distinctive pusher configuration (engine mounted above the wing to keep the propeller clear of spray), retractable landing gear, and all-metal construction, the Buccaneer carved out a loyal niche among bush pilots, island-hoppers, and backcountry adventurers. The type's operating envelope is modest by modern standards—never-exceed speed of 150 knots, cruise around 120 knots, and a service ceiling near 14,000 feet—but its real capability lies in short-field performance on both land and water. The aircraft can operate from runways as short as 1,000 feet and handle reasonably rough water, making it a genuine utility platform for remote operations. While production numbers remained small compared to mainstream singles like the Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee, the Lake's unique amphibious capability ensured its survival through decades of ownership transitions, and many examples remain active today in float-plane country from Alaska to the Caribbean. SkyMeter has tracked 4 flights across 2 airframes and 2 operators over routes, with SHINN DOUGLAS A the largest observed operator.