Accident Overview
During a takeoff on a 2,100-foot-long water run, a seaplane encountered variable direction, gusty crosswinds. According to the pilot, the initial headwind shifted to a crosswind, and then to a tailwind as the takeoff progressed. The airplane became airborne but subsequently settled back onto the water. The pilot determined that there was insufficient remaining distance to stop.
Sequence of Events
The pilot then lifted the airplane off the water a second time. However, the airplane lost altitude and airspeed, and subsequently struck an unoccupied shed located in the departure path. The shed was unoccupied at the time of impact.
Pilot Comments
The pilot stated that he should have taken off in the opposite direction, or delayed the departure until the winds had stabilized.