Incident Overview
According to the pilot's report, the engine gradually lost power during the initial climb after takeoff, at approximately 300 feet above ground level. The pilot described the power reduction as similar to someone slowly pulling back the throttle.
A witness, who was also a pilot on the ground, initially observed the airplane in an attitude resembling a landing flare. Subsequently, the airplane pitched forward and descended vertically toward the ground.
Pilot Actions and Accident Sequence
The pilot stated that he may have unintentionally stalled the airplane after the loss of engine power. The airplane crashed into a small unnamed lake, flipped onto its back, and remained inverted for the next 48 hours.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident external and internal examination of the fuel system hardware and the powerplant assembly did not reveal any failures or anomalies that would indicate an inoperative condition. The fuel source from which the airplane was fueled was also found to be unremarkable.
Pilot Qualifications
The pilot did not possess a single-engine sea rating and had not completed a biennial flight review or equivalent in the 40 months preceding the accident.