Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudged touchdown on the water which resulted in a porpoised landing. Also causal to the accident was his improper recovery from the porpoise, resulting in a loss of airplane control and collision with the water. Factors related to the accident were; the glossy water conditions, and the pilot's lack of experience in water landings.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had just received his seaplane rating and was making his first solo water landing. The passenger said the water was 'completely glossy.' during the touchdown the airplane began to porpoise and the airplane struck the water nose first and nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
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