Accident Narrative
A pilot operating a float-equipped airplane under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 initiated a takeoff to the southwest. The pilot reported that variable south-southeasterly winds required a left crosswind correction during the takeoff run. As the airplane climbed to 70 feet above the water, the airspeed began to decrease, and the airplane stopped climbing near the departure end of the lake. The pilot realized that the aircraft would not clear the trees at the end of the lake and that there was insufficient room to land straight ahead. In an attempt to avoid the trees, the pilot turned the airplane to the left and lowered the nose to prevent a stall. The airplane then descended at a high rate, and its floats struck the water. The impact caused the floats-to-fuselage struts to collapse. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and wing lift struts.
Pilot Statement
In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had delayed his takeoff and waited for more favorable wind conditions, and if he had operated the airplane at a lower gross weight.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and wing lift struts. The floats-to-fuselage struts collapsed on impact with the water.