Accident Sequence
A float-equipped airplane was conducting a landing on salt water. During the landing, the airplane struck a partially submerged log. The pilot reported that he had looked at the landing site prior to the landing, but his vision was hindered by sun glare and a thin layer of fog sitting on the water's surface. Shortly after the pilot reduced power to slow the airplane's taxi speed, the right float struck the log. The airplane veered sharply to the right. Subsequently, the left float strut collapsed, allowing the left wing to strike the water.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he examined the landing area before touching down, but his ability to see the partially submerged log was restricted due to sun glare and a thin layer of fog on the water's surface. The pilot reduced engine power to decrease taxi speed when the right float contacted the log. The ensuing sharp turn to the right led to the structural failure of the left float strut, resulting in the left wing contacting the water.