What happened
The certificated private pilot was step taxiing toward the west in preparation for a departure to the south. While maneuvering, the airplane passed beyond an area of shoreline that had previously shielded it from a left crosswind. Immediately after clearing this natural barrier, a sudden gust of wind lifted the left wing of the aircraft.
This aerodynamic shift caused the right wing to strike the water surface. The impact pivoted the airplane to the right, which subsequently resulted in the left wing also striking the water. Both wings sustained substantial damage as a result of these impacts.
The investigation
The pilot provided details regarding the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Wind conditions were noted to be from varying directions, with peak gusts reaching 10 knots. These variable wind conditions contributed to the loss of control during the taxi phase.