Incident Overview
An airline transport certificated pilot was conducting cruise flight in a float-equipped airplane. During a cruise climb, the pilot heard a "snap" sound emanating from the engine. Subsequently, the engine began to shake and vibrate, producing metal-to-metal sounds as it lost power.
Emergency Landing
The pilot selected a small lake as an emergency landing area. The airplane touched down on the water, but after touchdown, it collided with the shoreline and trees. The pilot reported that the lake was too small to allow the airplane to stop successfully.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained damage to the float assembly and both wings as a result of the collision with terrain.
Post-Accident Examination
The pilot sold the airplane "as is, where is" to a salvage company. Personnel from the salvage company examined the engine and discovered a failure of the number five cylinder piston.
Probable Cause
Failure of the number five cylinder piston.