What happened
A floatplane sustained substantial damage following a landing on a grass field located adjacent to the airport. During the landing sequence, the pilot reported that as the aircraft slid out, it turned abruptly to a 90-degree angle. This movement resulted in side loading of the floats, causing the float struts to bend. As the float struts gave way, the propeller struck a float and the wingtip made contact with the ground.
An airport employee witnessed the event and noted that the grass field had been mowed specifically to allow the pilot to land. According to the witness, this was the first time an aircraft had landed on that particular grass area at the airport.
The pilot was not injured in the accident.