Accident Overview
A private certificated pilot, accompanied by the airplane owner as a passenger, was maneuvering a float-equipped airplane near several boats. The occupants stated they intended to land near the boats to inquire about fishing. The pilot reported that after flying by several boats, he attempted a landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane was "thrown back up into the air sharply."
Passenger Account
The passenger reported that the pilot was executing a no-flap landing when the floats struck a submerged log. The pilot then pulled the airplane upward into the air, but it stalled at about 75 feet above the water. The airplane descended nose-down, collided with the water, and inverted. Occupants of nearby boats came to the aid of the pilot and passenger.
Witness Statements
An FAA inspector contacted several witnesses who were occupants of the boats. One witness indicated that the accident airplane was observed flying over other boats in the area at an altitude of 25 feet. The airplane continued at that height for about 150 yards and then suddenly pulled straight up, exceeding 90 degrees vertical. The airplane then rolled and descended to the water from about 100 feet. The witness stated that the airplane did not touch down on the water before the sudden pull-up.
A second witness reported that the accident airplane flew directly over several boats at an altitude of about 15 to 30 feet. The airplane continued to fly level for a short distance and then suddenly pitched straight up. Seconds later, the airplane stalled and descended to the water. This witness indicated that the airplane did not strike an object in the water because it never got lower than 15 to 30 feet when it buzzed the boats.
Conclusion
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident based on the available information.