Lake Renegade LA-250

The Lake Renegade LA‑250, originally introduced as the Lake Buccaneer in the early 1970s, is a twin‑engine, amphibious light aircraft built by Lake Aircraft of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Development began in 1969 when the company sought to combine the versatility of seaplanes with the reliability of turboprop power, resulting first in a piston‑driven version (the Buccaneer) and later in the LA‑250 variant powered by two 140‑horsepower Lycoming IO‑360 engines. Certified in 1977, the Renegade features a high‑wing, all‑metal airframe, retractable tricycle landing gear, and a hull designed for smooth water operations. Its spacious cabin accommodates four passengers and a pilot, while the generous fuel capacity of 140 gallons gives it a range of roughly 1,200 nautical miles. The aircraft’s rugged construction, short‑field performance, and ability to operate from lakes, rivers, and conventional runways made it popular among bush pilots, flight schools, and coastal rescue units. Though production ceased in 2013, the Renegade’s legacy endures as a benchmark for amphibious utility aircraft, demonstrating how a modestly powered platform can safely bridge land and water environments and influencing later designs such as the ICON A5 and various modern seaplanes.