What happened
The airline transport certificated pilot was operating a float-equipped airplane on an eastbound departure along a river. During the takeoff run, the aircraft achieved planing speed and was on-step. The pilot attempted to transition by lifting one of the floats out of the water. This maneuver was unsuccessful, prompting the decision to abort the takeoff. The pilot closed the engine throttle, but the airplane continued forward and collided with the river bank.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed significant structural damage. The impact caused the left float assembly to tear off the fuselage. The fuselage itself sustained additional structural damage from the collision with the riverbank.