What happened
Following two unsuccessful takeoff attempts earlier in the day, the pilot attempted a third departure from a position located outside the standard dimensions of the waterway. This decision was made to increase the available takeoff distance, as the pilot believed the previous failures were due to the aircraft's high weight and light wind conditions.
During this run, the aircraft struck a submerged reef before it could enter the waterway. At the moment of impact, the aircraft was at its highest nose attitude of the takeoff roll. Although the tide was near its lowest point, the reef remained underwater.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental and operational factors present during the departure. It was determined that the low angle of the sun created significant sunlight reflection off the water's surface. This glare, combined with the high pitch of the aircraft's nose, significantly hindered the pilot's ability to identify the submerged reef ahead.
Findings
- The pilot initiated the takeoff from outside the waterway boundaries to compensate for light wind and high aircraft weight.
- Sunlight reflecting off the water surface, coupled with the aircraft's high nose attitude, obscured the visibility of the submerged reef.