What happened
On the day of the accident, an airline transport certificated pilot and one passenger were departing southbound from a seapately base in a float-equipped airplane under Title 14, CFR part 91. The weather conditions involved winds from 230 degrees at 8 knots, with gusts reaching 14 knots.
A witness observed the aircraft begin its takeoff run toward the south. As the aircraft continued the run, it reportedly staggered into the air near the southern end of the lake and turned east to avoid rising terrain and move downwind. The witness noted that the nose of the airplane pitched sharply to the right and then to the left before descending nose-first into a wooded area.
The pilot reported that immediately after takeoff, he initiated a slight turn to the east to avoid rising terrain. During this maneuver, the aircraft encountered decreasing windshear, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently crashed at a location between the waterline and the trees.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that it came to rest nose-down in swampy terrain. Investigators found no mechanical anomalies regarding the airframe, engine, or engine accessories. The pilot stated there were no pre-accident mechanical issues with the aircraft. Both the pilot and the sole passenger survived the impact, and the pilot credited the four-point seat and shoulder harness restraint system for their survival.