Incident Description
While flying over a reservoir, a passenger perceived the airplane to be too low and asked the pilot, "why don't you pull up a little bit?" The pilot responded that the view was better at low altitude and sarcastically asked, "what are you scared?" Subsequently, the airplane's wheels contacted the water, causing the airplane to flip over.
Passenger Accounts
The passenger reported that the airplane's engine was running without abnormality up to the moment of impact. Additionally, the passenger noted that just prior to impact, the pilot was adjusting a rotating wheel located in the center console of the airplane. The passenger also described the water surface on the reservoir as appearing very smooth, resembling a sheet of ice.
Aircraft Examination
A post-accident examination of the airframe revealed no abnormalities.
Toxicological Results
Toxicological tests detected the presence of cocaine and drugs used for the control of cold or allergy symptoms. Such substances can have effects including distraction, sensory disturbance, or impaired judgment.
Probable Cause
The source does not provide a stated probable cause for the accident.