Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during an attempted water takeoff from Lake Gaston in Halifax County, North Carolina, the airplane encountered a boat wake. The pilot made a right turn to parallel the wake, which resulted in dragging the right sponson and subsequently led to a water loop.
Background on Water Loops
According to FAA Advisory Circular 61-21A (Flight Training Handbook), a water loop can occur during crosswind takeoffs. The circular explains that crosswind forces push the airplane sideways, and this, combined with friction on the water, causes the seaplane to weathervane into the wind. The turn is aggravated by centrifugal force, which is opposed by water reaction on the hull. If the water reaction is strong enough and combined with wind effects, the seaplane may tip, submerging the downwind float and causing the wing to strike the water—a condition known as a water loop.
Pilot Report Details
The pilot's report did not specify the type of aircraft, its registration, or the number of occupants. No injuries or damage were mentioned. The time of day, weather conditions, and any involvement of air traffic control were not stated in the source.