Accident Overview
A pilot and passenger departed from a lake marina for a local flight involving water takeoffs and landings. The flight progressed without incident until the landing phase.
Landing and Impact
During the approach, the pilot reported that he misjudged the flare height. He attributed this to a lack of visual references on the water surface. Consequently, the airplane was flared high and subsequently contacted the water in a hard landing.
Damage Assessment
Post-accident examination identified substantial damage to the left forward float strut attachment point and the lower left frame tube. No other structural damage was documented.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation. The airplane had been performing normally prior to the landing.
Conclusions
The hard landing resulted from the pilot's misjudgment of flare height due to inadequate visual cues on the water. No mechanical issues were found.