Floatplane Porpoises and Noses Over During Water Landing (N7QR)

Incident Details

A float-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage during a water landing on a sheltered bay. The pilot reported that he had landed on that bay many times previously. The water on the bay was calm and sheltered from the wind.

Pilot's Account

During the approach, the pilot experienced wind buffets as he flew over the trees. He reported, "We then experienced a downdraft which I tried to hold off the floats, but the right float hit hard, veering the plane to the right." The airplane began to porpoise up and down toward the shore. The pilot attempted to stop the porpoising by pulling back on the stick. The airplane impacted the rocky shoreline and nosed over.

Subsequent Findings

An inspection of the flight control system did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction.