What happened
A commercial certificated pilot was operating a float-equipped airplane traveling southeast on a river. While the aircraft was on-step during the takeoff roll, it began an uncommanded left turn. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder and right aileron, but these inputs produced no change in the aircraft's direction.
In response to the uncontrolled turn, the pilot aborted the takeoff by reducing engine power to idle. However, the aircraft continued a hard left turn, causing the right wing to strike the water. Upon returning to the dock, the pilot noted a light wind of approximately 8 to 10 knots originating from the north.
The investigation
The inspection of the aircraft revealed that the right wing was bent upward by approximately 40 degrees at the right wing lift strut attachment point.