Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane and exceedance of the critical angle of attack during takeoff in windy conditions which resulted in a subsequent hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the amphibious airplane reported that during takeoff from a lake in windy conditions, the airplane encountered windshear, stalled, and landed hard on the water surface, which resulted in the right float to separate. A video of the accident sequence showed the airplane veer right on the water during takeoff from the lake and became airborne. Once airborne, the airplane rolled right and then left before it landed hard on the water. A short time later, the airplane became submerged under the water surface. The right wing was substantially damaged. There were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.