Accident Overview
An amphibious airplane experienced a nose-over during its fourth water landing of the flight. According to the pilot, as the aircraft touched down, "the nose pitched down aggressively" and the airplane flipped onto its back. Both the pilot and a passenger were able to evacuate before the airplane sank. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Statement
In a postaccident interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot recalled that boat wake had developed in the landing area and that the nose of the airplane "may have been a little low" during the landing.
Passenger Account
A police report quoted the passenger stating, "we misjudged the wave and the plane flipped onto its back."
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Investigation Status
The accident investigation is ongoing, with no determination of probable cause released at this time.