Incident Overview
A float plane being operated as a rental experienced substantial damage during a hard landing on a lake following an aborted takeoff. The pilot reported that the takeoff was initiated toward the south, and the aircraft became airborne "somewhat earlier than [he] anticipated and began to drift to the left."
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, he observed a peninsula along the flight path and was uncertain about the float plane's ability to climb or turn to the right "properly" to avoid it. As a result, he performed an aborted takeoff while at an altitude of 10-15 feet above the lake. The subsequent landing was described as "firm/hard," causing the right fuselage strut to partially collapse into the right float.
The pilot stated that if the aircraft had been aligned more to the right at lift-off, the situation would have been satisfactory. He also noted that he had anticipated a left-to-right wind but encountered a right-to-left wind instead.
Operator Report
The airplane rental operator stated that the pilot had two 5-gallon containers of fuel stored in the rear baggage compartment, and that the aircraft was operating above its maximum gross weight.
Damage
The aircraft received substantial damage, specifically the collapse of the right fuselage strut into the right float.