Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering in a turn at a low altitude, resulting in an in-flight collision with the ocean.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was observed flying parallel to the beach in visual meteorological conditions at an altitude estimated less than 100 feet agl. The airplane began a turn to the left to reverse its direction when the left wing was observed to collide with the water. The airplane was destroyed and the private pilot was fatally injured. Two airplane seats, a check list, and a part of the instrument panel with the airplane registration number on it were recovered from the ocean. The main airplane wreckage was not located.
Source record
Factual narrative
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