Seaplane or Amphibian
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 805; Flight Crew Type 462
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
During departure; gear up; flaps up; engine (80 HP Rotax) lost power; checked fuel shutoff valve and fuel gauge which were normal; cycled gear to down position; gear did not reach full extension before aircraft settled back to runway; aircraft slid on fiberglass boat hull and protective keel guard a very short distance to a stop on departure end of runway. Raised airplane; extended and locked gear down; taxied aircraft to hangar. Minimal damage and no injuries.
Reporter stated power loss was traced to a small hole in the fuel line that allowed air to be drawn in; causing loss of power at takeoff power setting.
Pilot of a light sport amphibian experienced (Rotax) engine failure at low altitude during practice go-around. He landed straight ahead with partial gear extension.