Accident Details
A float plane operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was conducting touch-and-go landings on a lake. During the approach to land, the airplane's floats inadvertently contacted a flat, grassy area short of the water. Engine power was applied, and the aircraft continued to the lake where it made an uneventful landing.
Pilot Information
The second pilot, who was flying at the time of the accident, was a rated float plane pilot but did not meet the USFWS criteria to act as pilot-in-command (PIC). The PIC, also employed by the USFWS, was a certificated flight instructor and was providing additional instruction to the second pilot to meet USFWS standards for PIC.
Postflight Inspection
A postflight inspection revealed a damaged fuselage near the left float's rear attachment point. The PIC expressed the belief that the airplane may have encountered a downdraft just prior to touching down on the grassy area.
No injuries were reported.