19971226039399A

Aircraft nosed over and sank in river after striking an unidentified object in river. Pilot was not seaplane rated. (.19) on December 26, 1997, about 1415 eastern standard time, N100RZ, a homebuilt sea rey amphibian airplane, was substantially damaged when it impacted water near Gloucester, Virginia. The certificated private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that departed west point, Virginia, and was operated under 14 CFR part 91. The pilot reported that he was doing the last of 6 touch-and-go landings on the river when he struck an unidentified object. The airplane nosed over, and submerged in the water. The pilot escaped from the airplane and swam ashore. According to FAA records, the pilot was not seaplane rated. (.4) the pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing on a river when the experimentally certificated, amphibious airplane nosed over. The next thing the pilot knew he was hanging upside down in the water. He exited the airplane, and stood on the wing waiting for help. Before he could be rescued the airplane sank, and the pilot swam ashore. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions. The pilot did not have a single engine sea rating. Federal aviation regulations exempt pilots of experimental aircraft from the requirements of possessing a rating in the category of aircraft they are operating. (-23) pilot was doing touch and go's in the water and on the last one, struck an unidentified object. The airplane nosed over and submerged. The pilot swam ashore. No injuries.