Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while conducting a takeoff from a frozen, snow-covered lake in a ski-equipped airplane, the aircraft encountered a snow drift just before liftoff. The resulting bounce prompted corrective action, but the pilot experienced a momentary lack of rudder control response. During this interval, the airplane's left wing tip contacted the snow-covered lake surface. Rudder authority was subsequently regained, and the pilot continued the takeoff.
Passenger Interference
After becoming airborne, the pilot learned that the rear seat passenger's foot, while still in a boot, had inadvertently interfered with the rudder control pedal, which explained the unresponsive rudder inputs. The pilot proceeded to the planned destination and landed without further incident.
Post-Flight Findings
Following landing, the pilot examined the aircraft and discovered damage to the left wing. This damage was later classified as substantial. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.