Incident Overview
A floatplane identified as N127WA sustained substantial damage after colliding with another floatplane, N1018H, at a dock. The incident occurred under wind conditions of 070 degrees at 20 knots with swells of 6 to 12 inches.
Sequence of Events
N127WA was positioned on the north side of the dock for a departure toward the east. N1018H was holding on the east side of the dock. A deck hand cast off N127WA's mooring lines before the pilot started the engine. The aircraft then began to drift backward toward the dock.
The pilot started the engine and attempted to maneuver away from the dock, but the proximity of the dock prevented the use of sufficient power to establish steerageway under the existing weather conditions. N127WA drifted around the northeast corner of the dock and collided with N1018H.
Damage and Subsequent Events
N127WA sustained substantial damage, and the pilot shut down the engine. N1018H sustained minor damage, and its pilot taxied clear. After the collision, N127WA drifted back into the east side of the dock, where it sustained further damage from wind and wave action.
Investigation Details
The investigation did not provide a specific probable cause for the incident. The sequence was documented by the investigating authority.