Accident Overview
A commercial pilot was transporting passengers in a float-equipped airplane under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the aircraft collided with the surface of the water during landing. The pilot reported that he was in a descending right turn in preparation for landing and was looking for a shoreline dock as a landing reference. Prior to seeing the dock, the airplane struck the water.
Passenger and Witness Accounts
The left rear seat passenger stated he was not aware that the airplane was landing and thought they were still making the approach when the airplane impacted the water. A witness who observed the accident from the ground reported fog and low clouds in the area, with surface visibility approximately 1 mile. The witness described that as the airplane descended, he thought, "If he doesn't pull up, he's going to hit the water." The witness noted that the right float and wing hit the water while the airplane was in a right turn, and that he never heard the airplane reduce power or saw the airplane level off before impact.
Pilot Report
The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. In his written statement to the NTSB, the pilot indicated that glassy water and flat-light conditions made it difficult to discern the surface of the water.
Damage
The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings and fuselage.