Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a submerged object during landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage/hull.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that while landing on a lake he heard a large noise just after touching down. After water began to enter the cockpit, the pilot shut down the airplane and he and his passenger evacuated. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the bottom of the fuselage/hull consistent with a collision with a submerged object. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.