Accident Details
The pilot of an amphibious float-equipped airplane reported that, after the owner completed multiple touch-and-go water landings, he took the flight controls to perform water landings himself. His first touch-and-go water landing was uneventful. During the second touch-and-go water landing, the touchdown was smooth, but as he added power to begin the climb away, the airplane veered right and nosed over into the water. The pilot speculated that the right float may have struck a submerged object during the landing.
Aircraft Damage
The right wing lift strut sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Postaccident Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspector examined the accident airplane. The forward first third section of the right float was bent upward, with scratching and scoring marks on the bottom side. No rust or corrosion was observed on either float.
Pilot Qualifications
A review of the FAA airman certification database revealed that neither pilot held an airplane single engine sea rating.