Amphibian • Lake • LA-4, LA-4-200, LA-4-EP, LA-4-235, LA-250 Renegade
| Manufacturer | Lake |
| Model | LA-4 Buccaneer |
| Category | Amphibian |
| Variants | LA-4, LA-4-200, LA-4-EP, LA-4-235, LA-250 Renegade |
| Seating | 4 seats |
| Typical TTAF | 4,200 hours |
| Markets | United States, Canada, Australia, Norway, France |
| Price Range | $175K – $425K |
The Lake LA-4 Buccaneer is a four-seat, single-engine amphibious aircraft designed for both water and land operations. First introduced in the 1960s, it represents one of the most practical and widely-produced modern amphibians. The aircraft features a high-wing configuration with retractable landing gear, allowing seamless transition between conventional runways and water surfaces. Its hull design provides excellent water handling characteristics and buoyancy, while the retractable gear enables efficient land operations. The Buccaneer is primarily used for personal transportation, bush flying, search and rescue operations, and recreational flying in remote areas where water landings are advantageous. The aircraft is known for its reliability, simplicity of operation, and versatility in accessing backcountry locations. Its modest performance requirements and forgiving flight characteristics make it suitable for pilots of varying experience levels. The Lake LA-4 has proven particularly popular in regions with extensive waterways, including Canada, Scandinavia, and remote areas of the United States. The design emphasizes practicality over speed, making it an economical choice for those prioritizing capability and flexibility over raw performance.
Maximum Speed: 130 mph
Cruise Speed: 115 mph
Range: 760 nautical miles
Service Ceiling: 15,500 feet
Engine: Lycoming O-320 or O-360 (150-200 hp depending on variant)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2,550 lbs
Empty Weight: 1,430 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 42 gallons
Endurance: 7 hours
Stall Speed: 38 mph