What happened
The pilot was conducting a local maintenance test flight with no initial intention of performing a water landing. During the flight, the pilot approached a lake to inspect the aircraft's floats. To compensate for glassy water conditions, the pilot monitored the shoreline through the right window.
While attempting the landing, the pilot reported a smooth touchdown followed by a right yaw. The pilot described the sensation of the right float being pulled from beneath the aircraft, causing the right wing to drop and the nose to strike the water. The impact broke the window, allowing water to enter the cabin. The pilot noted the possibility of striking an object in the water during the event.
Logbook records showed the pilot had completed only 0.2 hours of flight time in this aircraft type within the previous 90 days, and no water landings were recorded in that period.
The investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft, the lake, and the crash site. The investigation found no evidence of pre-impact damage to the aircraft or the amphibian floats. Additionally, the landing gear on the float was found in the retracted position.