Lake La-4

Single Piston· 139 globally registered

The Lake LA-4 Buccaneer is one of general aviation's most distinctive amphibious aircraft, combining the freedom of water operations with conventional runway capability in a compact four-seat package. Designed by David Thurston and first flown in 1959, the LA-4 series became the most successful American light amphibian of its era, with the LA-4-200 variant introduced in 1970 featuring a 200-horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine that gave it respectable performance on both elements. The Buccaneer's pusher-propeller configuration, mounted high on a pylon above the cabin, keeps the engine clear of water spray during takeoff and landing, while its all-metal construction and retractable landing gear allow it to operate from grass strips, paved runways, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters with equal ease. This versatility made it popular with bush pilots, island-hoppers, and recreational flyers who valued access to remote waterfront destinations unreachable by conventional aircraft. The type's relatively modest operating envelope reflects its dual-purpose mission: cruise speeds around 120 knots and a service ceiling near 14,000 feet prioritize utility and safety margins over raw performance. Production continued under various owners through the 1980s, and many examples remain active today in float-plane country from Alaska to the Caribbean. SkyMeter has tracked 130 flights across 42 airframes and 42 operators, with NEFF MICHAEL J the largest observed operator.