Floatplane Strikes Tree During Forced Landing After Engine Failure (N78495)

Accident Summary

A floatplane sustained damage when it struck a tree during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the engine quit shortly after a left bank while climbing northbound over a river. After leveling the wings and losing altitude, the pilot performed the engine failure flow without success. Unable to reach the river due to a large tree, the pilot avoided power lines and a road, then deliberately stalled the airplane into smaller trees and brush. The aircraft came to rest upside down.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot: "I made a left bank and engine quit. Leveled wings after losing altitude. Looked and did my engine failure flow and nothing came back. I couldn't make it to the river due to a large tree. I avoided power lines and road and stalled it into some smaller trees and brush. The plane landed upside down."

Inspection Findings

A post-accident inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. The cause of the engine power loss remains undetermined.