Accident Murphy Rebel N224MR, Sunday 15 June 1997

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Date:	Sunday 15 June 1997
Time:	18:00 LT
Type:	Murphy Rebel
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N224MR
MSN:	224R
Total airframe hrs:	240 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Marion, MT - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
During a water takeoff in gusty wind conditions, the pilot started a left turn soon after liftoff. The aircraft then encountered a downdraft and a wind gust from the right. This resulted in the aircraft entering a descent while still in a left turn. Before the pilot could recover from the descent, the left float of the aircraft impacted the surface of the lake, and the aircraft flipped onto its back.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain/water. Factors include gusty winds and downdrafts.

Accident investigation: