On October 6, 1994, at approximately 1000 central daylight time, a float equipped Cessna 185, N95DM, was substantially damaged during take off near Abbeville, Louisiana. There were no injuries to the commercial pilot or his two passengers during the 14 CFR 91 business flight. During an interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and the investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that during the takeoff from a canal he was required to maneuver around a bend. During the turn, his aircraft drifted left and struck the bank with the floats and "the aircraft flipped over," resulting in damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot further stated that as he was taxiing around the bend, "on the step," he approached an area of the bank that had been cleared of all trees and vegetation. As he came abeam of the cleared area a "gust of wind caught me and caused the airplane to shift radically left." He further stated that he "was unable to reduce power quick enough before going into the bank."