Hi DAR
I agree the ICON is a well built aircraft. Towards the end of its certification, did it not receive a modification of gross weight (increase)?
Locally, two company ICON pilots crashed in a local lake, both died.
Hadn't anything to do with water, they snookered themselves into a box canyon and stalled.
Amphibian flying is way fun. It is also more difficult, and requires lots of experience. I lean toward training issues, and an aircraft that can bite, though sold as toothless.
Piper boy. Low level hot dogging? How low level? Ground effect can interrupt a descent to the surface, and "suggest" Nose Down, to get closer. Then the elevator can bite, and put that sharp nose into the water. Found inverted?