Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a water landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was found submerged in 40 ft of water and approximately 40 ft from shore on the ne end of lake isabel. Impact damage was indicative of a near-vertical nose-down attitude at impact. The mountainous terrain rises rapidly on all sides of the lake, and the lake narrows to approximately 530 ft wide at the ne end. The pilot's flight instructor stated that the pilot had been taught to circle the lake a few times before landing to assess the water conditions.
Source record
Factual narrative
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