Accident Summary
An aircraft operating from a frozen seaplane landing area was destroyed when it struck several snow banks during takeoff and subsequently crashed. The pilot, who was the sole crew member, survived the accident. The aircraft was carrying six passengers at the time.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he selected an area of ice approximately 1100 feet long for takeoff. With an 8-knot crosswind and six passengers on board, the takeoff run began. The aircraft traveled about 900 feet and had just reached flying speed when it encountered the first of several snow drifts. After contacting approximately four drifts, the aircraft mushed—a condition where the airplane remains in ground effect but loses lift—and collided with brush.
Weight and Performance Considerations
The computed takeoff distance for the aircraft at maximum gross weight under no wind conditions was 1100 feet. However, the actual gross weight for this takeoff was not verified by the pilot or any other source. The pilot did not specify whether the aircraft was operating at or below maximum gross weight.