Accident Description
A seaplane was taking off from Harvey Canal, a navigable waterway used as a seaplane base. Power lines suspended over the canal by two tall towers crossed the area. The lowest line over the canal was 160 feet above the surface, but the lines dropped to heights as low as 60 feet over land. The normal procedure for a south takeoff was to fly under the lines after lift-off or to turn and cross over the lines where they are low to the ground.
During the takeoff, the aircraft was observed to climb normally to approximately 30 feet above ground level, then it began to accelerate. About 500 feet north of the power lines, the aircraft entered an abrupt climb and reportedly went to a near-vertical attitude. It then rotated about the left wing and descended vertically into the canal, impacting approximately 100 feet north of the power lines.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of a preimpact malfunction or failure. The investigation determined that the pilot had been giving flight instruction to the passenger. It was not verified who had pulled the aircraft up, but the pilot's normal procedure was to fly under the wires.
Operational Context
Harvey Canal served as a seaplane base. The presence of power lines with varying clearance heights required specific takeoff procedures. The standard practice for a south departure involved either flying under the lines immediately after lift-off or maneuvering to cross the lines at a point where they are lower over land.