Accident Summary
On an on-demand air taxi flight from a remote beach, a commercial certificated pilot and six passengers were departing in a twin-engine airplane. The beach, oriented north/south, was commonly used by airplanes transporting guests to and from a wilderness lodge. Weather conditions at the beach were reported to air taxi operators via satellite phone.
Flight History
According to the pilot, as the airplane departed toward the north, the wind was from the west at about 30 knots, with gusts to 50 knots. At approximately 20 feet above ground level, a strong gust of wind or a downdraft struck the airplane. The airplane descended, and the left wing collided with the beach, causing the airplane to spin 180 degrees. The airplane came to rest in about 2 1/2 feet of water.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his intentional flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain during takeoff-initial climb. Contributing factors were high and gusty wind conditions and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.