Accident Details
The pilot departed from an off-airport site in marginal visual flight rules conditions. Shortly after departure, weather conditions worsened, with flight visibility dropping to near zero in heavy snow.
Sequence of Events
The pilot attempted to follow the shoreline at a low altitude but was unable to maintain visual contact with the ground. He reported seeing trees immediately in front of the airplane and attempted a right turn toward what he believed was an open bay. During the turn, the right float contacted a rock outcrop, and the airplane subsequently impacted the water.
The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to depart in marginal visual meteorological conditions and his continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.