Incident Overview
A certificated airline transport pilot was receiving instruction for a seaplane rating. The training flight included three water landings in a float-equipped seaplane. After the third landing, the flight instructor directed the pilot to climb to and maintain 100 feet.
Sequence of Events
The pilot climbed the airplane to the assigned altitude and made a left turn to a downwind leg at 80–85 knots. While on the downwind leg, the instructor simulated an engine failure by pulling the power lever back to idle. The pilot receiving instruction began a left turn to land into the wind. The instructor then told him to turn to the right and subsequently joined him on the controls for the right turn. Neither pilot added power.
Impact and Damage
The airplane "landed hard" in a descending right turn, at an estimated 45–90 degrees from the wind line. Upon landing, the left float separated from the airplane, and the airplane subsequently sank. No mechanical anomalies were noted.