Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after landing a float-equipped airplane on a water surface, while the aircraft was on the step with a 7 to 10 knot crosswind from 45 to 50 degrees left, the wind shifted to a left quartering tailwind. The airplane began to veer to the left, and the pilot applied strong right rudder input to counter the left yaw. During this maneuver, the airplane's right wingtip struck the water, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and right aileron.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's account, the landing was being conducted with a left crosswind. While the floatplane was on the step, the wind sheared to a left quartering tailwind. The aircraft subsequently veered left, prompting the pilot to apply significant right rudder. The right wingtip then contacted the water surface.
Damage Assessment
The right wing and right aileron sustained substantial damage due to the wingtip striking the water. No other damage was reported. The extent of the damage required repair before further flight.
Pilot Actions
The pilot's response to the unexpected wind shift was to apply strong right rudder. The resulting wingtip strike indicates the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic conditions during the water landing phase. No further details on the pilot's actions or the aircraft's condition were provided.