What happened
A private certificated pilot was operating a float-equipped airplane while searching for a lost hiker along a river drainage. During the mission, the pilot was maneuvering at altitudes between 5/00 and 1,000 feet above the ground. The pilot reported encountering turbulence generated within the canyons along the river.
Immediately preceding the accident, a strong gust of wind caused the aircraft to yaw sideways and lift the left wing. This resulted in a descent toward the ground. The pilot managed to level the aircraft just before the float assembly struck alder bushes located along the riverbank. Following the collision, the airplane performed a cartwheel maneuver and came to rest facing the opposite direction from its initial path of travel.
Findings
The aircraft sustained damage to the wings, the fuselage, and the float assembly. The pilot was not injured.