Introduction
A float-equipped aircraft operating from Lake Monroe with two rated pilots on board experienced an accident during a turn after takeoff. The aircraft subsequently sank after contacting the water.
Flight Details
The pilot-in-command (PIC) reported that the takeoff distance may have been approximately 20 percent longer than normal. After climbing to an altitude of about 200 to 250 feet, the copilot initiated a right turn. The PIC stated, "[The copilot] was not able to get wing up & by the time I realized we had a problem, there was not enough time or altitude to try to do anything." The aircraft then settled and contacted the water with its right wing before sinking.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the aircraft had a history of leaking floats. Three days before the flight, the aircraft was found partially sunk while moored at a buoy. Prior to the accident flight, only the two front compartments of each float were pumped out. Weight and balance information indicated that without any water in the floats, the aircraft would have been close to its maximum gross weight limit and the center of gravity would have been near the aft limit.