What happened
A certificated private pilot was operating a float equipped airplane on a flight from a remote mountain area, intended to collect supplies for a hunting and guide business. During the flight, the pilot encountered weather conditions characterized by low ceilings and low visibility, which necessitated a deviation from the original flight plan.
While flying over a remote lake containing a public use cabin, the pilot observed an individual on the ground waving. The pilot subsequently landed on the lake to check if the person required assistance and to wait for the weather to improve. After a period of waiting for better conditions, the pilot attempted a takeoff from the lake without picking up the individual from the cabin.
The pilot estimated the length of the lake to be approximately 1/4 mile. As the aircraft was nearing liftoff, the left wing struck several trees situated along the bank of the lake. Following this impact, the airplane collided with the shoreline. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine, propeller, left wing, right wing lift strut, and the float assemblies. The pilot was not injured.