What happened
The pilot was operating a float equipped airplane near an ocean bay when she attempted to land amidst small ocean swells. During the landing approach, the pilot noted that the descent rate had become excessive. In an attempt to recover, she applied full power to initiate a go-around. However, the aircraft continued its descent, and the floats made firm contact with the water. After the airplane lifted off the surface, the pilot observed that the upper right door hinge had broken.
Following the incident, the aircraft remained grounded and was not flown or inspected for three months.
The investigation
Upon inspection at a maintenance facility, several structural issues were identified. Technicians found wrinkling and distortion in the lower fuselage, located aft of the firewall and beneath the airplane's doors. During this process, it was discovered that all of the aircraft's door hinges were broken. Furthermore, additional wrinkling was noted above the baggage door and under the aft window. Due to these findings, the inspection facility determined the airplane was unairworthy.