Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to compensate for the gusting wind during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with water.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on departure from a seaplane base, the airplane encountered a gust of wind. The right wing lifted and the pilot could not maintain control. The airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage upon impact with the water. A weather report indicated that, about 10 minutes prior to the accident, wind conditions were at 24 knots, gusting to 38 knots, and peaking at 43 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The floatplane was taking off from a seaplane base and encountered a gust of wind, which lifted the right wing. The pilot was unable to maintain control, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage on impact with the water. About ten minutes prior to takeoff, recorded wind near the seaplane base was from 030 degrees at 24 knots gusting to 38 knots, with peak winds of 43 knots. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane in reference to the accident flight.