Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the floatplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while in a climb, approaching a mountain pass, he “felt” that the floatplane was not climbing sufficiently to safely clear the terrain. He extended the flaps and initiated a turn to the right, and “feeling a stall and loss of control imminent”, he applied full power. Subsequently, the floatplane stalled and impacted the ground sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the floatplane that would have precluded normal operation.