Incident
While parked on the beach at Eagle Lake, the tail of the airplane sank. The pilot obtained assistance, and the aircraft was refloated on May 24, 1996. Individuals who helped refloat the airplane reported that the surface of Eagle Lake was "glassy water." The pilot indicated his intention to depart the lake immediately after the helpers had left.
Accident
The airplane did not reach its intended destination. Subsequent evidence revealed that the aircraft had crashed and sank in the lake. A sponson was found floating on the water. Damage to the sponson indicated that it had torn away from the airplane's wing, consistent with the application of a rearward force. Additionally, a video recording showed airplane wreckage scattered across the bottom of the lake.
Background
According to the accident pilot's son, the airplane had a known history of leaking in the tail. He stated that his father, the accident pilot, planned to purchase a new bilge pump upon arriving at Ketchikan.