Accident Details
The pilot was departing on a personal local flight from a narrow, tree-lined, private airstrip located on a small island. The airplane was a single-engine amphibious float-equipped model. After lifting off, as the airplane approached the departure end of the runway, it suddenly rolled left into the trees. The airplane came to rest at the base of the trees, standing on its nose and float tips. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported no known preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He stated that he thought either the flap system or aileron system had malfunctioned, causing the abrupt left roll.
Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that the wind was calm at the time of takeoff. A resident of the island who was working outside heard and responded to the accident. The resident said that the wind at his residence was gusty and varying in direction. The departure end of the runway is over a bay; the resident noted that there were whitecaps on the bay when he arrived at the accident site.
Two islands, one to the north and one to the west of the accident island, have automated weather reporting stations. The station to the north reported wind at 12 knots gusting to 20 knots, while the station to the west reported calm wind.
Site Observations and Operator Reports
On-site documentation revealed a break in the tree line along the right side of the runway, approximately in the same area where the loss of control occurred. A commercial airplane operator reported that he suspended flight operations to neighboring islands the afternoon of the accident due to wind and wind shear.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airframe did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.