Accident Details
The pilot of a float-equipped airplane intended to practice water landings and operations after roughly 7 months without seaplane activity due to winter. While surveying a lake with glassy water conditions for ice or other hazards, the airplane's floats inadvertently made contact with the water "a bit harder" than normal. The pilot then reduced engine power and attempted to land, but the airplane nosed over into the water and subsequently sank.
Pilot Information
The pilot reported approximately 1,400 hours of total flight experience, including about 50 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. In the 12 months preceding the accident, he had logged 21 water landings, with the most recent occurring about 7 months prior.
Aircraft Examination
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no abnormalities that would have precluded normal operation. The right float showed evidence of contact with the propeller, and the aft portion of the fuselage near the empennage was substantially damaged.