According to the pilot, he was practicing an engine out maneuver to a landing on the water in the Piper PA-18-150 near Lake Wales, Fla.
At 500 feet mean sea level, he “cut” the engine power and turned the carburetor heat to full on. As he neared the water, he started to flare when the left float grabbed the water first.According to the airplane owner, the pilot made his approach too fast and too flat. The airplane hit the water with the front right section of the landing float and the airplane cart-wheeled to the right.
Post-accident examination revealed that both wings and the fuselage incurred substantial damage due to impact with the water.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s improper flare during a water landing, which resulted in the wings contacting the water.
NTSB Identification: ERA14CA136
This February 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
The pilot may have misjudged the water features if it was a “glassy” surface conditions. The reflection off that surface condition gives an impression of a lower altitude than is actually there. Still need to know if your wings are level or not upon approach. I assume no wind conditions prevailed.