Background
Prior to departure, the pilot and witnesses spent approximately two hours attempting to remove water that had accumulated in the tail section of the aircraft. The water ingress was attributed to a missing rear plug in the fuselage.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that the aircraft made several unsuccessful takeoff attempts from the small lake. On the final attempt, the aircraft became airborne but climbed slowly and appeared to be out of control. The pilot stated that after takeoff, he was unable to lower the nose or maintain airspeed. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, following the takeoff, he could not lower the nose of the aircraft or maintain airspeed. The difficulties he encountered align with the observed slow climb and apparent loss of control noted by witnesses.
Conclusion
The accident occurred during a water takeoff after a prolonged effort to remove water from the aircraft's tail section. The missing rear plug in the fuselage had allowed water to accumulate, leading to the pre-departure water removal activity.