What happened
During a water landing in a cove, the pilot encountered gusty wind conditions. The aircraft touched down twice before the third touchdown, at which point the plane veered violently to the left. The pilot reported that the left sponson may have contacted the water at the same time as the hull, or potentially before the hull.
This maneuver resulted in a water-loop, causing substantial damage to both sponsons and the left wing tip. The impact also caused the left side of the aircraft's nose and the left fuselage at the pilot entry station to become wrinkled and bent.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the water touchdown.