Accident Overview
After departing from the seaplane parking area, the pilot noticed that the left float was taking on water. In response, the pilot initiated a turn back toward the ramp area and applied full power in an attempt to reach shallower water. As the aircraft approached the parking area and was turning out of the wind, a combination of wind, wave action, and forward motion caused the left float to dig into the water. The aircraft then nosed over in about 4 feet of water.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination of the left float revealed a 1-1/2 inch transverse split just forward of the bulkhead in the largest compartment of the float. This split allowed water to enter the float, leading to the loss of buoyancy and subsequent nose-over.