Private aircraft crashes into tree near pond during flight review (N8161S)

What happened

The flight was conducted primarily to provide a flight review for a private-rated pilot who had not flown in approximately one year. There were no witnesses to the accident itself. The pilot later stated that he could recall performing basic airwork during the flight but could not remember any details of the events immediately preceding or during the crash. The aircraft ultimately contacted a tree located on the edge of a pond at an altitude of about 30 feet above ground level.

The investigation

No mechanical examination findings are provided in the source text.

Findings

The pilot's inability to recall details of the flight just prior to and during the crash suggests a possible loss of consciousness or incapacitation. The aircraft struck a tree at low altitude, indicating a failure to maintain terrain clearance.