Accident Overview
A commercial pilot and one passenger were conducting a cross-country personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 in a float-equipped airplane. According to an FAA inspector who arrived at the accident site about one hour after the occurrence, the pilot reported that just before takeoff he thought his seat slid aft, causing a loss of control. The airplane's floats subsequently struck the shoreline at the departure end of the lake. The aircraft came to rest approximately 75 feet from the edge of the water. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Weight and Loading
During the postaccident investigation, the FAA inspector estimated the weight of items on board at about 250 pounds. The airplane's fuel tanks were full, containing 84 gallons of fuel. The combined weight of the pilot and passenger was estimated at about 540 pounds. The inspector's calculated gross weight of the airplane at takeoff was 3,250 pounds, which exceeded the aircraft's maximum takeoff gross weight by approximately 450 pounds.
Aftermath
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies. Shortly after the accident, he voluntarily surrendered his pilot certificate to the FAA.