Incident Overview
During a flight, the pilot was observed making a low pass over Lake Keowee near a friend's houseboat. The owner of the houseboat reported that the aircraft was flying low off his right side when it struck the water. Another witness saw the aircraft flying at treetop level over his position and noted that it continued descending; he expected the pilot to pull up, but the pilot did not. The same witness stated that the engine was operating normally until the moment of impact.
Witness Accounts
The houseboat owner provided a firsthand account of the event, describing the aircraft's low altitude and the subsequent water impact. The second witness, who observed the aircraft from another vantage point, corroborated the low altitude and noted the engine's continuous normal operation. Both witnesses reported no apparent attempt by the pilot to climb before the aircraft hit the water.
Recovery and Examination
The aircraft sank in approximately 80 feet of water and was later retrieved. A post-recovery examination revealed no preimpact mechanical problems. The investigation did not identify any mechanical malfunctions or failures that could have contributed to the accident.