What happened
The aircraft was operating on the return leg of a fishing trip under nighttime conditions. According to the pilot's account, the floatplane performed a takeoff from smooth water that required a relatively long ground run. Once airborne, the pilot reported reaching an altitude of 200 feet above ground level and a speed of 90 knots. At this point, he initiated a gentle right turn of approximately 10 to 15 degrees, rolling out onto a heading of 350 degrees.
Shortly after completing the maneuver, the aircraft impacted the water. The pilot stated that he did not experience or hear any unusual sensations prior to the collision, nor did he feel the aircraft begin to descend before impact. Following the crash, the floatplane sank in approximately 15 feet of water.
The pilot and a passenger seated in the right front position were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. Despite this, both individuals were able to communicate with each other within the air pocket inside the cabin before exiting the aircraft. The passenger did not report any injuries at that time. However, the right front-seat passenger was never recovered from the water and is presumed to have drowned.