Incident Overview
A floatplane receiving instruction experienced a collision with a tree during on-water maneuvers at a lake. The flight, which involved a pilot receiving floatplane instruction and a flight instructor, had proceeded to the lake to conduct on-water maneuvers. After landing on the lake several times, the flight instructor requested that the pilot perform a few step taxis.
Sequence of Events
During one of the step taxis, as the floatplane was being turned to the right, the pilot stated, "I don't think we are going to make it." The instructor replied, "Put in more rudder." The pilot informed the instructor that he already had applied full right rudder, and added full power in an attempt to "pull us through the turn." As the floatplane neared the shoreline, the instructor decreased the power, and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane turned abruptly to the left and came to rest along the shoreline.
Investigation Status
No determination of probable cause was provided in the source materials. The incident remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.