Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a low pass over a lake.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he descended to make a low pass over Pettit Lake. He noted that the clear weather condition with no wind impacted his depth perception as the lake surface appeared glassy. During the low pass over the water, the pilot misjudged his altitude above the lake, and the airplanes main landing gear contacted the water. The airplane then bounced and impacted the water a second time before it came to rest and sank. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that could have precluded normal operation. The airplane was not recovered.