Accident Overview
A private certificated pilot was departing a small lake in a float-equipped airplane. The pilot reported that he had operated from the lake numerous times and had landed on the lake about 45 minutes prior to the accident to pick up cargo for his fishing camp. During the landing, the wind was from the west. When he began to taxi for departure, the wind was calm.
Departure and Impact
The pilot initiated the takeoff run toward the west. He stated that the airplane came up on step and that his ground speed seemed fast, but the airspeed was low. The airplane became airborne near the edge of the lake shore. However, the tail portion of the float assembly struck a six-inch-high berm located at the edge of the lake.
Post-Accident Details
After the impact, the airplane came to rest on a road situated along the shoreline of the lake. The airplane sustained damage to the float assemblies, the propeller, and the tail. Following the accident, the pilot reported that witnesses told him that as he taxied onto the lake for departure, the wind began to blow from the southeast at about 15 knots.