Accident Overview
A takeoff from a sand beach resulted in a wing strike after the left wingtip of the aircraft contacted a tree stump on the high side of the beach. The aircraft, operating as an on-demand fishing charter flight, was approximately one hour behind schedule at the time of departure. The incoming tide had reduced the width of the usable takeoff area.
During the takeoff roll, the left wingtip struck a tree stump, which separated about four feet of the wing and the left aileron. The commercial pilot and three of the five passengers were not injured, while the remaining two passengers sustained minor injuries.
Pilot and Passenger Accounts
In a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that the winds were from the southwest at 10 knots and that he was taking off to the west. The NTSB IIC also interviewed the passengers and received written statements from them.
The passengers indicated that the pilot appeared to be in a hurry because of the incoming tide and the late schedule. They noted that the pilot was taking off into the setting sun and was not wearing sunglasses. According to the passengers, the pilot mentioned that he would wait for the sun to pass behind a cloud but ultimately decided to depart.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the left wingtip and left aileron, with approximately four feet of the wing structure separated from the aircraft. No injuries were reported among the pilot and three passengers; two passengers suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization.