Incident Overview
A pilot of a Lake 4-200 EP was conducting water landings on a lake. After completing two landings, the pilot climbed the aircraft for a third landing. At approximately 200 feet above the water, the pilot reduced engine power to simulate a power-out or reduced-power landing. As the pilot attempted to round out the glide for the landing, he could not arrest the descent, and the aircraft landed hard on the water.
Sequence of Events
Following the hard landing, the pilot took off again and made a precautionary water landing to a full stop. The aircraft and engine appeared undamaged, so the pilot took off once more and performed two touch-and-go landings on another lake, followed by a full-stop landing. At that point, the engine sounded rough, prompting the pilot to taxi to shore. On shore, it was determined that a propeller blade tip was missing, a propeller strike had occurred to the turtle top, and the hull was taking on water.
Damage Findings
Mechanics later replaced the propeller, and the aircraft was deemed airworthy to fly to another location for further inspection. A few days later, structural damage was discovered in the hull's cross frames.
Weather Conditions
Weather at a nearby airport around the time of the hard landing included clear skies and calm winds.