Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point during landing which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that while on final approach for landing at a remote lake, the airplane descended unexpectedly while crossing the shoreline. The airplane touched down prematurely in shallow water, impacting the rocky bottom, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.