Accident Sequence
The private pilot was operating the floatplane under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and received clearance for takeoff from the west waterway. The airplane was on step, gaining airspeed, and the takeoff run appeared normal. As it neared takeoff speed while proceeding directly down the waterway, the airplane encountered a right quartering tailwind gust that lifted the right wing and float. The airplane veered to the left toward a steep bank, and the pilot was unable to correct the deviation using the rudder. Believing that reducing power would cause the airplane to slam into the bank, the pilot did not do so. The airplane lifted off, but the float collided with the top of the bank. The airplane then cartwheeled approximately 160 degrees to the left before coming to rest on its right side.
Damage
The floatplane sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and floats. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Weather Information
The reported wind at the airport approximately three minutes after the accident was from 020 degrees magnetic at 3 knots, with no recorded gusts.