Incident Overview
A pilot of an amphibious airplane reported that during a takeoff run on a lake with choppy water, the airplane encountered a wave approximately six inches high. The event led to a water loop, during which the airplane's nose pitched up, it ascended momentarily, and then settled back onto the water.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, upon encountering the wave, the airplane's nose pitched upward. The airplane rose briefly before settling into the water. When it made contact with the water, the right sponson and wing impacted the surface, causing the aircraft to spin abruptly to the right.
Damage Assessment
As a result of the impact, the airplane's right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot noted that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the airplane was operating normally until the wave was encountered. No other factors, such as mechanical issues or pre-existing conditions, were identified as contributing to the event.