What happened
A commercial pilot was operating a float-equipped airplane under Title 14, CFR Part 135, transporting passengers when the aircraft struck the water during the landing phase. While executing a descending right turn to prepare for landing, the pilot was searching for a shoreline dock to use as a visual reference. Before the dock could be identified, the aircraft impacted the surface.
A passenger in the left rear seat reported being unaware that the aircraft was actively landing and believed the flight was still in the approach phase at the time of impact. An eyewitness observing from the ground noted that the area was experiencing fog and low clouds, with surface visibility limited to approximately 1 mile. The witness observed the right float and wing strike the water during the right turn and noted that the aircraft did not appear to level off or reduce power prior to the collision.
Findings
The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft before the accident. However, the pilot stated that glassy water and flat-light conditions made it difficult to distinguish the surface of the water. The impact resulted in structural damage to the wings and fuselage. There were no fatalities reported.