Flight Maneuver and Witness Observations
A sightseeing flight over Lake Pocumcus ended when the airplane, flying just above the lake's surface, executed a 90-degree climb. According to a witness, the aircraft gained approximately 300 feet in altitude but lost 'almost all airspeed.' The same witness reported, 'I believe the pilot pushed the nose over because the wings stayed level.' Subsequently, the airplane descended straight down and struck the water.
Multiple witnesses stated that the engine was heard running throughout the maneuver until impact.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies. A photograph taken by a witness on the shore just before impact showed the airplane's elevators in a trailing edge up position.
Pilot Toxicology
Toxicology testing found the pilot's blood-alcohol level to be 0.075%. Federal Aviation Administration regulations prohibit operating an aircraft with a blood-alcohol level exceeding 0.040%.