Accident Details
The airplane sustained substantial damage while attempting to take off from a lake. The pilot reported that during the takeoff attempt, the airplane "failed to climb out of lake at end of cove." Subsequently, the pilot "reduced power and turned to land in a bog/swamp." During the landing approach, the left wing strut impacted a tree, and the airplane landed hard on its floats.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the airplane was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear the end of the cove during the takeoff run. In response, he reduced engine power and maneuvered the aircraft toward a bog or swamp area to land. The landing was not successful as the left wing strut struck a tree before the plane touched down on the floats.
Previous Experience
The pilot reported having flown 5 hours in the same make and model as the accident aircraft, all of which were flown within the 24 hours preceding the accident. This recent experience provided familiarity with the aircraft type but did not prevent the occurrence.
Aircraft Condition
According to the pilot, there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures during the accident flight. The aircraft's systems and structure were reported to have been functioning normally prior to and during the attempted takeoff and subsequent emergency landing.