Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s delayed go-around decision, which resulted in inadvertent contact with the landing surface, loss of directional control, and a nose over in gusting wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, just prior to touchdown while landing on a lake in gusting wind conditions, he attempted to execute a go-around. The float-equipped airplane inadvertently contacted the water and bounced twice on the surface. The pilot lost directional control and nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.