Incident Overview
A pilot performing a water landing at South Lake experienced a sudden loss of control, resulting in the aircraft flipping over. The pilot reported that after touching down on a westerly heading and traveling approximately 100 feet, the control yoke was forcibly jerked from his hands. Both the pilot and passengers described the sensation as if the nose had collapsed.
Witness and Aircraft Condition
A witness stated he distinctly observed that the landing gear was retracted. Post-accident examination revealed the nose and left main landing gear were in the up and locked position. The right main landing gear was found unlocked and damaged. Additionally, the right wing float had separated, and its mounting brackets were bent aft and inboard. The outer portion of the right wing was deformed upward and aft.
Weather Information
At 1342 EDT, approximately 10 miles north at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the wind was recorded from 120 degrees at 9 knots.
Conclusion
The investigation did not provide a probable cause.