Accident Details
A floatplane operated by an aviation training organization was preparing for departure with two instructor pilots on board, one in the left seat undergoing training and the other in the right seat. The aircraft taxied to the departure point and was turned into the wind to begin the takeoff roll. As takeoff power was being applied, a sudden wind gust caught the right wing, lifting it. The aircraft momentarily became airborne, then pivoted and impacted the water, slowly nosing over.
Weather Conditions
A cold front was passing through the Puget Sound area shortly before the accident. Strong, gusty winds from the south were recorded at all nearby weather stations around the time of the incident. The pilot reported that the wind at the time of the accident was from 150 degrees at 25 knots with gusts to 43 knots.
Aftermath
The aircraft sustained damage during the nose-over, but no injuries were reported among the two occupants.