Piper PA-23 stalls during base leg turn over lake (N9044D)

What happened

The pilot executed a low downwind pass over a lake prior to initiating landing procedures. Following this maneuver, he gained altitude and commenced a left turn toward the base leg. During this phase of flight, the aircraft entered a stall condition. The airplane descended with the left wing striking the water first, followed by impact from the right float. The wreckage came to rest inverted in approximately four feet of water.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to the accident was the loss of control due to an aerodynamic stall during a low-altitude maneuver. The pilot's decision to perform a low pass and subsequently climb while turning likely resulted in insufficient airspeed or excessive bank angle, leading to the stall. The shallow depth of the water allowed the aircraft to remain largely intact but inverted.