Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor airspeed during a low-level turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with the water.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was overflying a lake when he noticed something floating on the water and turned the airplane around to get a better look. During the turn at low altitude, the airspeed diminished, and the airplane’s wing stalled. The airplane descended and impacted the water nosing over and coming to rest inverted. The airplane’s fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.