Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's hard landing in a gusting wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot was landing the float-equipped airplane on choppy water in a gusting wind. The airplane landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot did not report any mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident, and he stated that he should not have flown in those conditions.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo student pilot was landing the float-equipped airplane on choppy water in a gusting wind. The airplane landed hard, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot did not report any mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident, and stated he should not have flown in those conditions.