Incident Overview
A flight instructor was providing basic floatplane training to a rated single-engine-land pilot. The purpose of the flight was dual instruction in floatplane operations. After practicing several landings, the instructor simulated an engine failure by reducing engine power to between 1000 and 1200 RPM.
Sequence of Events
At the time of the power reduction, the aircraft was on a close-in downwind leg adjacent to the lake. The instructor realized that the student would not be able to reach the lake for landing without adding power. He instructed the student to add power and then took control of the aircraft. Despite the power addition, the aircraft continued to sink, and the floats struck the tops of several trees while the aircraft was on a short base leg.
Post-Impact Actions
The instructor visually inspected the floats and observed no damage, but noted that the aircraft was carrying some branches. He executed a controlled landing on the water and then taxied toward the shore. By the time they reached the shore, the damaged float rigging caused the aircraft to lean to the right, resulting in the right wing dragging in the water.