Floatplane strikes bank during water taxi due to wind gust (N9963M)

What happened

The pilot-in-command was operating a float-equipped airplane and attempted to taxi through shallow water to position the aircraft for departure. As the floats transitioned onto step, a gust of wind originating from the left rear affected the aircraft's stability. This environmental factor caused the airplane to weather vane unexpectedly toward the shoreline. The stream channel was notably narrow at this location, limiting maneuvering room. The pilot reported that the onset of the wind gust provided insufficient time to execute corrective control inputs before impact occurred.

The investigation

The examination focused on the sequence of events leading to the contact with the terrain. Analysis confirmed that the aircraft was in a taxiing phase rather than a takeoff roll at the moment of impact. The primary mechanical factor identified was the interaction between the float design and the aerodynamic forces generated by the wind gust. The narrowness of the waterway restricted the pilot's ability to turn away from the hazard.

Findings

• weather vane effect induced by a left rear wind gust
• insufficient time for corrective action due to narrow stream width
• shallow water conditions during taxi phase