What happened
A student pilot was conducting a cross-country instructional flight in a float-equipped airplane as part of a two-aircraft formation. The second aircraft, a landplane operated by the student's instructor, was also part of the flight. During the mission, weather conditions worsened, characterized by turbulence, light rain, and gusty winds reaching up to 25 knots.
Due to the smell of gasoline in the instructor's aircraft, the instructor decided to divert to a gravel airstrip located adjacent to a small lake. The student pilot attempted a landing on the lake but performed a go-around following the first approach. During the second approach, the aircraft bounced on the water surface. While the airplane settled onto the lake, a wind gust lifted the aircraft off the water.
In an attempt to force the aircraft back down onto the water, the pilot momentarily diverted his attention from the shoreline. Upon settling, the pilot realized the aircraft was dangerously close to the shore. Although the engine was shut off, the airplane struck the beach and came to a stop in an area of muskeg approximately 40 feet from the shoreline. The impact resulted in no injuries.
Findings
The collision with the shore caused the front float attachment points to break, which led to the airplane fuselage pivoting downward. The aircraft sustained damage to the wings, fuselage, engine cowling, propeller, and floats.