Coastline Mapping Flight Ends in Water Impact (N5317R)

Flight Purpose and Agreement Before Departure, the pilot and passenger agreed that the flight would be conducted at 400 feet above ground level and at 75 miles per hour. The purpose of the flight was for the passenger to map the coastline. During the flight, the passenger missed an area and asked the pilot to turn around. The pilot acknowledged the request and began an approximate 15-degree turn to the left toward the terrain. The passenger reported that, at the beginning of the turn, the pilot did not apply power. While flying between two small hills, the passenger felt light turbulence, then suddenly the right wing raised and the nose fell toward the ground. At that point, the pilot applied full power. The airplane continued in a left descending turn and collided with the water just off shore. Post-Crash Investigation and Pilot Experience The post-crash investigation noted no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane. During the last 90 days, the pilot logged a total of 279 hours, all in floatplanes. Three of those hours were in the Cessna 185.