Accident Overview
A float-equipped airplane experienced an accident while departing from a small lake. The pilot, who held an airline transport certificate, was attempting to reposition the aircraft onto a larger lake in the area.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, as takeoff power was applied, gusty winds immediately lifted the left wing. Despite the pilot applying left aileron input, the airplane continued to roll to the right. Subsequently, the right wing contacted the water surface, and the airplane either nosed over or rolled over.
Pilot Comments
The pilot reported that gusty wind conditions from the north may have been influenced by a hill located adjacent to the lake. Prior to the takeoff from the remote lake, the pilot used a satellite phone to obtain weather information for both the planned destination and the departure area. The pilot learned that the destination was experiencing gusty winds and turbulence. The closest weather reporting station, situated approximately 30 miles away, reported winds from the north at 13 knots.