What happened
A certificated private pilot and one passenger were attempting to depart from a remote gravel bar located along a riverbank. The takeoff area consisted of a strip approximately 650 feet in length, with water present at both ends of the runway. The pilot had previously performed numerous landings on this specific section of the river.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot applied full power. After traveling approximately 300 feet, the aircraft became light. At about 400 feet into the departure roll, the pilot extended the flaps. Although the aircraft lifted off, it subsequently settled back onto the ground and bounced across an open section of water. During the excursion, the right main landing gear struck a log, and the right wingtip made contact with a small river bank. The aircraft came to rest facing 180 degrees from its original departure heading. Both occupants were not injured.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft's flight path was interrupted when it settled back to the surface after initial lift-off, leading to the subsequent impact with a log and the river bank.