Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, during a water landing attempt, the left float dragged on the water. He was able to "pull it out" and began adding power for a go-around. However, he then saw power lines ahead and realized that a go-around was not possible. He stated that he "planted it back on the water," after which the aircraft nosed over.
Witnesses reported a different sequence: the pilot was attempting to land on the waterway when a boat approached from the opposite direction. In response, the pilot added power to go-around and veered the aircraft to the right. At that moment, the right float caught the water, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the pilot attempted the landing on the Eden Isle Waterway, which is not an approved waterway for seaplane operations. The pilot's decision to land there was characterized as poor judgment. No other contributing factors were identified from the available information.
Probable Cause
The pilot's poor judgment in attempting a landing on the Eden Isle Waterway, which is an unapproved waterway for seaplane operations.