What happened
The accident occurred when the aircraft was operating in the immediate post-takeoff phase. The private pilot had just completed a takeoff from the surface of the water. Shortly after leaving the water, the pilot initiated a low-altitude maneuver characterized by a steep left turn. This aggressive control input led to an aerodynamic stall, which immediately progressed into a spin. The aircraft descended rapidly and impacted the lake surface.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the wreckage and operational data was conducted to determine the cause of the accident. Investigators looked for any signs of pre-accident mechanical issues that might have contributed to the loss of control. Specifically, they inspected the flight control system, the engine, and the airframe for evidence of failure or malfunction.
Findings
The investigation revealed no evidence to indicate a pre-accident failure or malfunction of the flight controls, engine, or airframe. All systems appeared to function as designed up until the point of the maneuver. Additionally, there were no medical factors identified that could be considered causal to the accident. The primary factor was the pilot's decision to execute a steep turn at low altitude, which resulted in a stall-spin into the water.