19980704015959A

Acft attempted to takeoff from a creek in about 20 feet of water, lost power, flipped over and sank.(-23) pilot took off in a westerly direction from a sheltered (tree lined), wide creek (approximately one half nautical mile wide by one and one half mile long clear area). The winds were reported to be light and variable at less than ten knots. Pilot reported that shortly oafter take off, plane veered to right and that the stick was stiff allowing no left aileron. The single engine sea plane struck the water. Investigation revealed no restriction to aileron, rudder or elevator controls. (.4)the pilot positioned the airplane for a water departure, and advanced the throttle. The airplane then accelerated normally, and became airborne about 60 mph. When the airplane broke the water it pulled to the right. The pilot said he thought this was normal because on most water departures one float will come off the water first causing a slight turn in the opposite direction. However, in this case the turn to the right continued. The pilot tried to stop the turn with left stick, and left rudder but found them ineffective. The airplane then struck the water, right float and right wing first, flipped over, and came to rest inverted. Both the pilot and passenger had life-vests on, and exited the airplane from underwater. Winds were reported calm by a witness and flight control continuity was established. The airplane's floats showed minimal corrosion and all the chambers were intact. The pilot had approximately 30 hours of float plane experience, and he received his seaplane rating about July 1993.