Accident Details
A commercial pilot was conducting a passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 in conjunction with a remote lodge operation. The float-equipped airplane was parked on a beach, where passengers boarded. The pilot then water-taxied out into the lake for takeoff.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported taxiing out approximately 1,200 feet before reversing course into the wind and initiating the takeoff. When the airplane reached his predetermined abort point, it was still on the water. The pilot stated that he believed the airplane might not lift off in time to avoid the terrain ahead. Rather than aborting the takeoff, he elected to apply full power and continue. The airplane subsequently collided with the bank and nosed over. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Company Perspective
The owner of the company stated that the lake was about 1 mile wide at the location where the pilot elected to take off. He confirmed that the airplane received substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Passengers related to the owner that the engine sounded fine, but they did not think the pilot had taxied out very far into the lake.