Incident Overview
A pilot performed a high-speed taxi test on a floatplane at Sheepscot Lake to evaluate a newly installed oil pressure gauge. During the test, which was conducted while taxiing toward the northeast, the pilot reported that the wind lifted the left wing of the aircraft, causing the right wing to drop into the water. This action led the aircraft to nose over.
Damage and Consequences
As a result of the nose-over, the front spreader bar on the floats fractured. The propeller struck the right float, causing it to fill with water. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.
Environmental Conditions
Wind conditions were recorded at an airport located 15 miles from the lake, coming from 350 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot attributed the event to the wind affecting the aircraft during the taxi test.