20070927023099A

(-23) Pilot states he was attempting to land on a slough approximately 44.2 miles northwest of Bethel to drop his daughter and friend off to hunt moose. After his reconnaissance of the area the pilot began his approach at a slight angle to the slough in order to approach more into the wind. Indications on the water were of a crosswind. As he made the approach and descended towards the slough the pilot noticed the wind was stronger than he had judged or anticipated. As he approached tree-top level the aircraft began to drift towards the trees on the aircraft right side. Pilot made a steep bank to the left to avoid the trees and get aligned with the slough again. He was level and back over the slough at approximately 50 feet and began bleeding off airspeed. With the nose up, aircraft level, no noticeable drift, the pilot prepared for touchdown. Approximately 1-2 feet above the water the right wing struck a tree branch extending about 8-10 feet out over the water. The aircraft spun right, drove up onto the bank of the slough, hit another tree with the left wing, and came to rest on the bank. There was a light rain at the time and the pilot indicated he didn't think it was a factor.