Lake Aircraft La-4-200

Single Piston

The Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer is an American four-seat amphibious aircraft that represents one of general aviation's most practical solutions to waterborne flying. Built by Lake Aircraft (originally Colonial Aircraft, later Revomaster and Armored Holdings subsidiaries), the LA-4 series emerged in the 1960s as a refined successor to the earlier Colonial C-2 Skimmer, offering pilots the rare ability to operate from both conventional runways and water with equal ease. The pusher-mounted 200-horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine sits high above the fuselage to keep the propeller clear of spray during water operations, while the all-metal construction and boat-hull design allow for genuine amphibious capability rather than mere floatplane conversion. What distinguishes the Buccaneer from most light amphibians is its certification for full IFR flight and relatively docile handling characteristics on both land and water. The aircraft cruises at approximately 120 knots and can operate from lakes, rivers, and coastal waters that would be inaccessible to conventional aircraft, making it popular with bush pilots, island-hoppers, and recreational flyers seeking access to remote waterfront destinations. The retractable landing gear retracts into sponsons that also provide lateral stability during water operations—a clever dual-purpose design that eliminates the performance penalty of fixed floats. Production of the LA-4 series spanned several decades under various ownership, with the type earning a reputation for rugged reliability despite relatively modest performance numbers. The aircraft's unique mission profile—combining the convenience of land operations with true seaplane capability—has sustained a dedicated owner community and active type club. SkyMeter has tracked 4 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with the largest observed operator.