Incident Overview
An aircraft was on final approach for a water landing when a bird struck the windscreen, according to the pilot's statement. The impact created a large hole in the windscreen. The pilot sustained cuts to his face from flying glass and from his glasses being forcefully driven into his eyebrows.
Witness Observations
A witness who observed the accident reported seeing a dark object, believed to be a cormorant because several were seen in the area before and after the accident, floating away from the aircraft wreckage after the event.
Pilot's Account
The pilot has a vague recollection of the impact occurring at approximately 50 feet above ground level. After regaining consciousness, he found himself in the water. He released himself and managed to escape through the door from the submerged, inverted aircraft.
Escape and Rescue
A man on shore heard the aircraft crash and came to the pilot's aid, providing a ride to shore in a boat. The pilot had maintained a higher approach to avoid objects seen in the water.