Incident Overview
A Cessna U206F equipped with floats was departing from a harbor when the pilot reported a 40-knot airspeed loss shortly after becoming airborne. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot was forced to land on a nearby beach. During the landing, the aircraft flipped over after one of its pontoons caught a rock.
Witness and Weather Observations
A witness on shore observed the aircraft take off and then execute a low turn directly downwind. The witness reported that the wind was from the northeast at 20 to 25 knots and gusty. Additionally, the New Bedford Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) indicated that winds were gusting to 35 knots at the time of the accident.
Aircraft and Pilot Statements
The pilot stated that he was unable to maintain altitude after the airspeed loss and that the forced beach landing was necessary. No further details regarding the aircraft's registration or the pilot's background were provided in the initial report.