Accident Details
A certificated commercial pilot was attempting to take off from a lake with 2-foot tall, rolling swells. According to the pilot, during the takeoff run, before a safe flying airspeed was attained, the airplane's floats struck a large wave. This caused the airplane to lift off the water prematurely. Before the pilot could react, the left wing stalled, and the airplane collided with the water. During the collision, the floats were torn off the airplane, and the airplane sank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wings.
Weather Conditions
The closest official weather observation station is Iliamna. On August 25, 1999, at 0553, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) reported the following conditions: wind from 259 degrees magnetic at 7 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; clouds at 7,500 feet broken; temperature 51 degrees Fahrenheit; dew point 46 degrees Fahrenheit; altimeter 29.52 inHg. Official civil twilight for Iliamna was at 0610.