Accident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a takeoff in a float plane from the west waterway of a lake. The airplane had reached step and was accelerating normally, with the takeoff run proceeding as expected.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane neared takeoff speed and continued directly down the waterway, it encountered a right quartering tailwind gust. The gust lifted the right wing and float, causing the airplane to veer left toward a steep bank. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using the rudder but was unable to do so. He did not reduce power because he believed that doing so would result in a collision with the bank.
The airplane lifted off, but the float impacted the top of the bank. The airplane then cartwheeled approximately 160 degrees to the left before coming to rest on its right side.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and floats.
Pilot and Mechanical Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures. At the airport approximately 3 minutes after the accident, the reported wind was from 020 degrees magnetic at 3 knots, with no recorded gusts.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.