What happened
Following a standard departure from the water, the pilot executed a steep climbing turn to the right before banking left to return over the launch area. At an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the port engine ceased functioning, causing airspeed to decrease to 85 knots. The pilot attempted to compensate by increasing power on the starboard engine, but this unit also failed. Unable to maintain flight, the aircraft entered a full stall and impacted the ground just short of the field. Upon impact, the seaplane overturned onto its back. The pilot was killed, and seven other occupants sustained injuries.
Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed significant corrosion on the starboard engine fuel pump. Salt water was detected within the regulator unit and fuel control unit, while no gasoline was present in the carburetor. The port engine exhibited similar conditions, with salt deposits found at the base of the spark plugs on both engines.
Maintenance records indicated that water had been discovered in the fuel system the day prior to the accident. In response, the tanks were drained and refilled, fuel pumps were replaced with units from another aircraft, and the carburetor was inspected. However, the machinist concluded that the aircraft likely took off with wings at a high angle of attack. This maneuver may have caused water trapped behind the sump to drain into the sump and subsequently into the fuel system, leading to the dual engine failure.