NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that he was landing an amphibious, light sport airplane, in the ocean waters of an inland cove. He stated that after returning from a local area flight, he attempted to land in a more open landing area, but was unable to due to large ocean swells. Considering increasingly poor weather conditions and low fuel, he decided to land in a smaller cove that contained fishing boats. He stated that while landing he misjudged the clearance from one of the boats, and the right wing subsequently struck a trolling pole, which pivoted the airplane to the right. As a result, the right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a boat while landing.