What happened
A pilot was operating a float-equipped airplane to transport guests from a remote river to a wilderness lodge. While departing down-river along a curved section of the river, which measured approximately 150 feet in width, the aircraft was on-step and accelerating toward the mouth of the river. During this takeoff phase, the floats of the aircraft collided with a sand river bank. The airplane subsequently continued onto the tidal beach area of the river.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff run, the aircraft failed to accelerate properly, resulting in a loss of directional control. There was insufficient distance remaining to stop the aircraft before impacting the river bank. The accident resulted in no fatalities, though the aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage, propeller, and the right wing.