Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the airplane flying very low over the water for several minutes. At one point, it struck the water but recovered and continued flying slightly higher for approximately another mile. The airplane did not turn toward the shoreline and appeared to glide nose-down into the water.
Pilot Account
The student pilot reported that he was descending toward the water at a rate of 400 to 600 feet per minute when the engine backfired. He applied carburetor heat, but the engine continued to run rough and would produce only 1,200 revolutions per minute. The pilot flew at this reduced power setting for more than a mile, just above the water, occasionally striking the tops of waves. Eventually, the wheels struck the water, causing the airplane to bounce, and then it nosed into the water.
Investigation
The wreckage was not recovered. No further details about the aircraft or its condition were available.