Incident Summary
A float-equipped Piper J3C aircraft was involved in an accident during a landing on a river. The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, he was informed via radio that he had departed without his phone. He subsequently returned to land.
Pilot Account
During the landing attempt, the airplane touched down on the right float, and the right wingtip subsequently impacted the water. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that after takeoff, he stalled the airplane while in a turn and then "crashed in the lake." The pilot also stated that "the density altitude got the best of me."
Inspection Findings
The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies. The aircraft is a Piper J3C, fitted with floats.