Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to takeoff from a remote lake after overloading the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of a seaplane rating.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The local personal flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 when the accident occurred. The private pilot reported that he and a passenger were attempting to takeoff from a remote lake in his float-equipped airplane. During the initial climb, the airplane struck trees on the perimeter of the lake, became inverted in the trees, and caught fire. The pilot and passenger were not injured, but the airplane received structural damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot was not certificated for seaplane operations, and noted in his report to the NTSB that he had probably overloaded the airplane prior to takeoff. He indicated there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The local personal flight was operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The private pilot reported that he and a passenger were attempting to takeoff from a remote lake in his float-equipped airplane. During the initial climb, the airplane struck trees on the perimeter of the lake, became inverted in the trees, and caught fire. The pilot and passenger were not injured, but the airplane received structural damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot was not certificated for seaplane operations, and noted in his report to the NTSB that he had probably overloaded the airplane prior to takeoff. He indicated there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane.