Accident Details
A float-equipped aircraft departed on a southwesterly heading from a lake. Surface winds were from the north at 8 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The aircraft was configured with full flaps extended for takeoff. It became airborne and continued a downwind climb over a tree line, reaching approximately 250 feet above ground level. During the climb, the aircraft decelerated and entered an aerodynamic stall. It subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted unimproved terrain in a steep, nose-down attitude.
Flight Manual Recommendations
According to the aircraft flight manual, the recommended flap setting for takeoff was the second notch, and for climb, the first notch. The accident aircraft had full flaps extended, which differs from the prescribed settings.
Conclusions
No probable cause was explicitly stated in the investigation source. The sequence of events indicates a stall during a downwind climb with an incorrect flap configuration, as per the flight manual's guidance.