Incident Overview
An airplane was taking off from a lake when it struck a large wave, also described as a wake. The impact catapulted the airplane into the air. It settled back onto the water but was then catapulted again by a second wave. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff and intended to perform a tail-first landing on the water.
Sequence of Events
As the pilot attempted to land tail-first, the tail of the airplane struck the water. The nose then dropped through a level flight attitude and struck the water in a nose-down attitude. The airplane came to a stop. The pilot reported hearing the engine still running, so he reached up and moved the mixture control to idle cutoff.
Post-Accident Actions
Boaters assisted the pilot in attempting to tow the airplane to shore. Approximately 25 yards from the shore, the airplane nosed over, causing the tail to stand straight up. The airplane continued to go nose down in the water and eventually sank upside down.
Summary
The aircraft was involved in a sequence of wave strikes during takeoff, leading to an aborted takeoff, a hard water landing, and ultimately a nose-over and sinking near shore. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided.