Incident Overview
A pilot was transporting a passenger from Icy Bay to Yakutat. Prior to departure, he received a weather briefing that indicated marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. As the flight approached Yakutat, the weather began to deteriorate to conditions below VFR minimums.
Decision to Land on Beach
Faced with the worsening weather, the pilot made the decision to land on the beach near Yakutat. He initiated a low approach over the beach. During this maneuver, he turned the aircraft to the right, directing it over the water.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft flew away from the beach, the pilot stated that he could see both the shoreline and the treeline. However, during this phase of flight, the airplane's main landing gear wheels struck the water surface. The impact caused the aircraft to nosed over and subsequently sink.
Aftermath
The aircraft came to rest submerged in the water. The report does not provide further details regarding the occupants' condition or the extent of damage to the aircraft.