Incident
The aircraft, registration N6216U, departed from a location approximately 15 miles northeast of Homer Airport. After takeoff, the pilot contacted Homer Tower and inquired about the weather at Homer. The tower advised that visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed at the airport, but that snow showers of unknown intensity and restricted visibility existed north and east of the airport.
Sequence of Events
The pilot elected to make a straight-in approach to Runway 21. While inbound, the pilot discussed his relative position with the pilot of another aircraft that was approaching to land on Runway 3 at Homer. The pilot of N6216U reported that he was turning back outbound, which appeared to be an attempt to avoid a traffic conflict. Shortly thereafter, an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was transmitted.
Investigation
An investigation determined that the aircraft crashed in a tidal basin. Wreckage was found in shallow water over an area approximately half a mile long and 200 feet wide. Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction.