Accident Details
A private certificated pilot was landing a float-equipped airplane toward the southeast on a lake near a point of land. During the landing flare, about 2 feet before touchdown, the pilot noticed a blurred object on the right side of the airplane moving perpendicular to the landing direction. He then felt and heard an impact on the right float. When the airplane settled off the step, the pilot observed that a collision had occurred with a jet ski and its rider, who had previously been eastbound.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained damage to the underside of the right float, specifically to the right sister keelson at the step bulkhead, and along the keel area aft of the step bulkhead. The jet ski was damaged on the upper handle portion. The operator of the stand-up type jet ski suffered multiple fractures of the left arm bones.
The jet ski operator reported heading east about 30 feet from the shore, passing a point of land, when the collision occurred. She stated that at the time of the collision, the airplane had not touched the water. She estimated her speed between 20 and 35 mph.
Regulatory Context
A review of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and the U.S. Coast Guard's navigation rules disclosed no right-of-way regulations pertaining to an airborne seaplane and a vessel on the water.