Incident Details
A pilot reported that during a water takeoff, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear trees at the rapidly approaching shoreline. The pilot stated that he believed he commenced the takeoff from the general area on the lake that he normally used, and that the takeoff run with two notches of flap and the lift-off point were routine. However, not all of the available lake area was utilized for the takeoff.
Pilot Report
As the aircraft climbed to the height of the trees, the pilot encountered a gust of wind that required a momentary flight control input to counter. He did not experience the sensation that the plane had entered a downdraft. Shortly thereafter, he realized that he did not have sufficient altitude to clear the trees. The pilot reported no difficulties with the aircraft's engine or flight controls.
Aircraft and Loading
The aircraft carried approximately 75 gallons of fuel, the pilot and a passenger, each weighing under 175 pounds, a fishing tackle box, and a small survival bag. The pilot's logbook showed that prior to July 1993, his last flight in N93018 occurred in June 1992.