Incident Overview
A seaplane pilot executed a night landing on a lake after initially landing at the wrong location. The pilot took off again to regain his bearings and proceed to the intended destination. During the final approach, the pilot lost visual height reference and impacted the water at high speed, resulting in the detachment of the floats and the airplane nosing over.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, night was approaching when he landed the seaplane on a lake and taxied to shore, only to realize he was at the wrong destination. He then taxied along the shore but decided to take off again to regain his bearings and land at his intended destination. By the time of the takeoff, night had fallen. The pilot flew the airplane out over the lake, intending to make a 180-degree turn and land back towards a dock. During the final turn, he lost "visual height reference." After leveling the wings, he set up for a low-sink-rate glassy water landing. He believed the airplane was about 100 feet above the water when it was only "mere feet" above the surface. The airplane impacted the water at high speed and a high sink rate. Upon impact, the floats tore off, and the airplane nosed over.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot reported that at the time of the takeoff, the moon was full, there were no clouds, and lighting was flat. The surface of the lake was described as "full glass" with no ripples. The airplane's navigation lights and landing lights were illuminated.
Pilot Observations
The pilot did not note any preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. According to Federal Aviation Administration publication FAA-H-023, "night landings in seaplanes on open water are extremely dangerous with a high possibility of damage or loss of the seaplane." The publication also notes that glassy water conditions can make accurate depth perception very difficult, even for experienced pilots.
Post-Impact
Both occupants exited the airplane after the impact. They were swimming to shore when a boat picked them up.