What happened
A pilot operating under Title 14, CFR Part 135 was transporting passengers from a remote lake in a float-equipped airplane. During the takeoff sequence, the pilot reached a predetermined point where an aborted takeoff would no longer be possible without striking the shoreline. To avoid hitting the shore, the pilot continued the takeoff attempt and successfully became airborne; however, the aircraft's floats struck the edge of the lake immediately after liftoff.
Following the impact, the pilot expressed concern regarding potential damage to the float structure. Consequently, the pilot elected to divert the flight and land on a hard surface runway at the destination airport. During this landing, the float structure collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
The investigation found no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft prior to the accident.