Incident Description
The accident occurred when an aircraft, while maneuvering over a series of fish ponds, entered a stall and subsequently nosedived into the water. According to witnesses, the aircraft circled the pond and executed one dive before attempting a second circling maneuver. During this second attempt, the airplane made a short, steep turn and entered a twisting dive that ended in the pond.
Witness and Passenger Accounts
A passenger aboard the aircraft reported that the airplane was flying at approximately 100 to 150 feet above the ponds when the stall occurred. The passenger stated that the pilot told him they were going down and instructed him to hold on, adding that the pilot would try to hit the water instead of the bank.
Pilot Information
The pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft, possessed a third-class student pilot certificate and a medical certificate dated November 19, 1981.
Toxicological Findings
Toxicology tests performed on the pilot revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.08% and a urine alcohol level of 0.138% (138 mg/dL). Additionally, a small amount of marijuana metabolites (46 ng/mL) was detected in the urine. According to a laboratory report, the metabolite level was suggestive of marijuana use two or more days prior to the accident.