C-208 amphib take off roll into bridge
 

Five killed after seaplane hits bridge on maiden flight in Jinshan District | Shanghai Daily

I've seen some stupid things in aviation...this is definitely top 5, maybe even top 3. I've never flown a floatplane, but I'm pretty certain the passage - "Line up with the bridge dead ahead 500 meters, full power!" is not in the checklist.....

After the turn he headed toward the bridge, it took around 9 seconds to hit the bridge. What is normal takeoff roll for this aircraft and load?


Whilst we don't know the cause of the accident, a video crew were onboard and pilot distraction under the influence of cameras is far from unusual.

http://mobile.shanghaidaily.com/nati.../shdaily.shtml

Wu Liangliang, the cameraman, said: “Before takeoff, the seaplane had been taxiing on the sea for about 20 minutes. It suddenly accelerated and turned left sharply. The co-pilot shouted ‘bridge!’ before the seaplane crashed onto it"

I'd like to know if there was a plan to taxi or takeoff near the bridge for the cameras.
Also onboard were a reporter and the Deputy Director of the local News and Media Center.


Mickjoebill

Five people confirmed dead after seaplane crashes into a BRIDGE off the coast of Shanghai | Daily Mail Online

Lot of photos. R.I.P. to those who didn't survive.

Funnily enough I did some seaplane training in Seattle's Lake Union once and because it was the first fine day after a long overcast spell, the lake was full of boaters. To me it looked like solid boats from shore to shore and I was a little apprehensive to say the least.

"Don't worry" said the instructor "Just pick a boat and aim directly for it. By the time you get there it'll be somewhere else".




Although I have to agree this wouldn't work with a bridge