Accident Overview
Prior to the flight, N70531 was observed with its entire cabin filled with cardboard fish packing boxes and empty 5-gallon buckets stacked inside one another. The aircraft was noted to be heavier than normal during repositioning operations. The pilot stated during a flight with another pilot that he did not have a license and did not need one.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed N70531 make three takeoff attempts from the Lake Hood seaplane base, during which the aircraft never got up on 'step'. On the third attempt, after porpoising and using a considerable distance for the takeoff run, the aircraft lifted off the water just clearing a building at the end of the lake. Witnesses also stated that they could not see through the windows of the aircraft due to cargo. The aircraft was noted to climb to about 200 feet, level off, then descend into utility power lines and a building in a nose-high attitude.
Post-Accident Findings
Removal of the fuel control filter revealed dirt and debris which almost completely obstructed the filter. The toxicology report indicated cocaine in both the pilot's and the passenger's blood.