On May 8, 1985, a Cessna 310H (registration N1013Q) operated by Jack A. Putman was involved in an aviation accident near Avinger, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control while flying at a low altitude over water, which resulted in a wing strike and subsequent sinking of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying low over a lake experienced an unexpected deceleration to the right, followed by a water impact that caused the aircraft to cartwheel and sink. Witnesses observed the right wing strike the surface before the plane disappeared beneath the water.
What happened
The pilot reported operating the aircraft at a very low altitude directly over the surface of a lake. During this phase of flight, he experienced an abrupt deceleration toward the right side of the aircraft. The pilot lost control and subsequently entered the water.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude above the lake just prior to the incident. They witnessed the right wing strike the water surface first. Upon impact, the aircraft cartwheeled to the right and sank immediately below the surface.
The investigation
Recovery efforts were limited due to the nature of the crash site. The engines separated from their mounting points during the impact with the water. Investigators were unable to recover the engines for further examination.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control while flying at a low altitude over water, which resulted in a wing strike and subsequent sinking of the aircraft.