Accident Overview
The accident occurred over Utah Lake during a dark night as the aircraft was on final approach to Runway 31 at Provo Airport (PVU). The aircraft was being operated by a non-instrument rated private pilot in the left seat, who was undergoing a checkout in the flying club aircraft by a commercial pilot.
Sequence of Events
While on final approach, the flying pilot maneuvered the aircraft to achieve spacing from a second aircraft. A witness observed two aircraft over the lake. One of the aircraft, which was turning toward the airport, then descended straight down into the water.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft contacted the water in a left-wing-low, nose-low attitude. The surrounding terrain to the northwest, west, and south provided no significant lighting that could be used for visual horizon reference.
Environmental Conditions
The accident took place at night over a large body of water (Utah Lake), with minimal ambient lighting from the surrounding terrain to serve as a visual horizon reference.