What happened
During a takeoff attempt from the western waterway of a lake, a private float plane was performing a routine departure. The pilot reported that the aircraft was on step and successfully increasing airspeed. As the plane approached its required takeoff speed while traveling down the waterway, it was struck by a right quartering tailwind gust. This sudden gust caused the right wing and float to lift, resulting in a loss of directional control.
As the aircraft veered toward a steep bank, the pilot attempted to use the rudder to correct the deviation but was unsuccessful. Fearing that reducing engine power would cause the plane to strike the bank, the pilot continued the takeoff run. Upon liftoff, the aircraft's float struck the top of the bank, causing the plane to cartwheel approximately 160 degrees to the left. The aircraft eventually came to rest on its right side, suffering substantial damage to its fuselage, wings, and floats. There were no fatalities reported in the accident.
Findings
Investigation of the event indicated that the pilot experienced no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident. While wind data recorded at the nearby airport shortly after the incident showed light winds from 020 degrees magnetic at 3 knots without gusts, the sudden encounter with a right quartering tailwind was the primary factor in the loss of control.