Accident Overview
The aircraft sustained substantial damage after striking the shore and a tree during a practice step taxi. The flight was an instructional session conducted in preparation for a single-engine sea airplane rating. The dual student, who held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating, was undergoing training.
Sequence of Events
According to the flight instructor, the dual student initiated a step taxi across a lake. The intended maneuver was for the student to perform a step turn as the aircraft approached the opposite shoreline. The instructor reported that the student began the turn using only aileron input, without corresponding rudder input. The instructor stated that he verbally directed the student three times to apply rudder for the turn. After the third request, the instructor took control of the aircraft.
Instructor's Actions
The instructor recalled assessing that the aircraft would not complete the turn before reaching the shore. He considered that increasing the rate of turn might risk capsizing the aircraft. The instructor then reduced engine power (chopped the power) and applied right rudder with the intention of directing the aircraft to impact perpendicular to the shoreline. Despite these efforts, the maneuver was unsuccessful, and the aircraft contacted the shore at an angle.
Damage
During the collision, the right wing struck a tree approximately 2 to 3 feet inboard of the wingtip. The aircraft was substantially damaged as a result of the impact with the shore and the tree.
Additional Information
The instructor stated that there were no pre-existing problems with the aircraft or its engine prior to the accident.