Amphibious Airplane Noses Over During Water Landing After Gear Not Retracted

Accident Overview

A private pilot was conducting a water touch-and-go landing on a river approximately three miles from the departure airport. The pilot reported being distracted by potential skydivers, towers in the area, and by discussing the route of flight with a passenger. These distractions resulted in the pilot not retracting the landing gear after the previous takeoff from a runway.

Water Landing and Damage

The amphibious airplane touched down on the water with the landing gear still extended. Upon contact, the aircraft immediately nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that the fuselage and wings sustained structural damage.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures occurred that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not report any other contributing factors.