Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's not following procedures/directives.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Waves on the lake were running two to three feet when the pilot of the amphibian airplane attempted to land. The airplane porpoised on initial touchdown and the porpoising continued with each bounce becoming more severe. The last entry into the water was on the nose of the airplane. The bow of the hull collapsed aft, the airplane inverted, and began to sink. The owners manual stated, 'note that the teal is FAA approved for operation in 12 inch waves.'
Source record
Factual narrative
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