What happened
The pilot of a floatplane reported initiating takeoff from Lake Hood toward the southeast, utilizing a 'canal option' route. During the initial climb, the aircraft was pulled into the air before reaching the canal entrance. The pilot then began a left turn toward the canal. At this moment, the aircraft settled, with reports indicating that the left wing stalled. Subsequently, both the left and right wings struck the water, resulting in damage to both structures. Despite the impact, the pilot reduced power and was able to taxi the aircraft to the shore.
The investigation
The N-number of the aircraft is not provided in the source text. The aircraft type/model is also unspecified in the available records. Weather conditions at the time of the incident included winds from 200 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot indicated that upon lifting off, he encountered an area of calm air. This specific location was reportedly frequently sheltered from southerly winds, suggesting a localized wind shear or turbulence effect during the transition from the runway environment.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the stall of the left wing during the takeoff phase. Contributing to this event was the encounter with an area of calm air immediately after liftoff, which contrasted with the reported surface winds. The pilot's decision to pull the aircraft into the air before reaching the canal may have placed the aircraft in a vulnerable flight regime as it entered the sheltered zone.
Safety message
Pilots operating floatplanes should be aware of potential wind shear and calm air pockets near shorelines or structures that block prevailing winds, particularly during takeoff maneuvers where energy margins are low.