Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer
Lake Aircraft · United States · first flew 1959 · light aircraft
The Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer is an American four-seat amphibian flying boat, distinguished by its pusher engine mounted on a pylon above the wing. It is the most produced variant of the Lake series and remains a popular choice for private amphibious flying.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Short stub sponsons on lower fuselage for water stability |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Pusher engine mounted on a pylon above the high wing
- Amphibian flying boat hull with retractable undercarriage
- Short stub sponsons on lower fuselage for water stability
The above-wing pusher engine on a prominent pylon is the unmistakable identifier; the flying boat hull with stub sponsons and retractable tricycle gear distinguish it from seaplanes with floats.
Specifications
- The Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer has a length of 7.59 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.58 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 257 km/h (160 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Lake Amphibian lineage began with the Colonial Skimmer in the 1940s; Lake Aircraft continued its development through the LA-4 and the -200 Buccaneer, which introduced a more powerful 200 hp Lycoming engine. The type is notable for its unique propeller pylon mounting, which keeps the pusher engine and propeller clear of water spray during water operations. Several hundred were built.
Variants
The LA-4-200 Buccaneer is the baseline; the LA-250 Renegade/Seawolf uses a more powerful 250 hp engine on the same airframe; the Turbo 270 Renegade and Seafury added turbocharged engines.
Where you'll see it
Used exclusively in private, charter, and utility roles; popular with bush pilots and in island communities where amphibious capability is essential.
Related aircraft
- Lake LA-4
- Lake LA-4-180 Skimmer
- Lake LA-250 Seawolf
- Lake Renegade LA-250
- Aermacchi AL-60
- Aero Boero AB-95
- Aeromere F.8L Falco Series III
- Air & Space 18A
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