On June 24, 2002, about 0930 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped deHavilland DHC-2 airplane, N211AW, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing on Island Lake, located about 1 mile south of Nikiski, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country positioning flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by Alaska West Guides and Outfitters, Wasilla, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot, and the sole passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated from Congahbuna Lake, about 8 miles west of Tyonek, Alaska. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on June 24, the pilot reported that after dropping off passengers at Congahbuna Lake, he was returning to the Island Lake Seaplane Base, Nikiski, with a company guide. The pilot said he was landing toward the west, and the wind was from the north, about five knots. He said as he flared for a landing, the airplane's airspeed was about 50 knots. As the airplane touched down, the left float dug into the water. The airplane pivoted to the left and nosed down. The left float was crushed upward against the fuselage. The pilot said that he and his passenger exited the airplane, which remained floating nose down for about 15 minutes. The airplane then slowly nosed over and remained floating upside down.