Incident Overview
According to witness accounts, the pilot executed at least one complete roll prior to the accident. The maneuver occurred at an estimated altitude of 100 feet above the water, with the aircraft flying parallel to the beach. Following the roll, the aircraft was observed to bank very steeply to the left, then pitch nose-down into the water.
Wreckage Recovery
The wreckage was recovered on May 25, 1984. Investigators conducted a thorough examination of the debris.
Mechanical Examination
The examination of the recovered wreckage failed to disclose any pre-existing faults or failures of the engine, airframe, or control system. No mechanical anomalies were identified that could have contributed to the sequence of events.