Accident Details
An airline transport certificated pilot and a sole passenger were departing to the south from a seaplane base in a float-equipped airplane operating under Title 14, CFR Part 91. Winds at the time were reported as 230 degrees true at 8 knots with gusts to 14 knots.
Witness Account
A witness observed the airplane begin its takeoff run. According to the witness, as the airplane continued southward, it "staggered into the air near the south end of the lake, then turned east, away from an area of slight rising terrain, and downwind." The witness reported that the nose of the airplane then pitched sharply to the right, then to the left, and descended nose first behind several trees.
Postaccident Findings
Postaccident investigation revealed that the airplane came to rest nose down in swampy terrain. Examination of the airframe, engine, and engine accessories disclosed no mechanical anomalies.
Pilot Statement
In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot noted that just after takeoff he began a slight turn to the east to avoid rising terrain and encountered a decreasing windshear. He stated that the airplane stalled and crashed at a point between the waterline and the trees. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems and noted that he believed the four-point seat and shoulder harness restraint system in the airplane saved their lives.