Accident Details
A commercial pilot was attempting a southwesterly departure from a 2,000-feet-long lake in a float-equipped airplane. During the takeoff run, about midway, the pilot reduced the flap setting from 20 to 10 degrees. As the airplane became airborne and passed over the departure end of the lake, a sudden wind shift caused the airplane to lose altitude. The airplane continued to lose altitude, and the right wing and right float collided with brush-covered tundra, sustaining substantial damage.
Aircraft Information
The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Weather Conditions
According to the pilot, wind conditions at the time of the accident were about 240 degrees at 15 knots with peak gusts to 20 knots.