Accident Summary
A commercially certificated pilot was conducting a nonscheduled air taxi flight to retrieve moose meat and antlers from a lake in a float-equipped airplane. The pilot was assisted by a non-revenue passenger. The lake, oriented east/west, was about 1,900 feet long and 800 feet wide. The meat had been left behind the previous day when the pilot transported hunting clients from the lake.
Departure and Encounter
During departure toward the west, the pilot lifted off approximately 300 feet before the end of the lake. The pilot reported that the airplane climbed to about 50 feet above ground level and then encountered a downdraft from mountains/hills located south of the accident scene. Full power was already applied to the engine, but the airplane descended into soft, marshy terrain and nosed over about 200 to 300 yards beyond the west end of the lake.
Damage
The airplane received damage to the propeller, the right wing, and the left wing spar.
Weather Conditions
The pilot indicated the following weather conditions: clouds and sky condition 2,500 feet broken; wind from 180 degrees at 8 knots; visibility 25 miles; temperature 50°F; no precipitation; turbulence none to light.