Incident Details
A witness located on a vessel in the water observed an airplane flying in a northerly direction, parallel to a shoreline, at an altitude of about 500 feet above the water. Approximately one minute later, the witness saw the airplane on a southerly heading, flying low and slow at about treetop level. As the airplane passed by, the witness reported that the nose came up and the tail went down. The tail subsequently struck a tree, and the airplane veered to the left. The edge of the left wing then hit a second tree, causing the airplane to rotate to the left. The left wing dropped as the right wing struck trees. The witness further stated that the airplane was under full power, "like he wanted to get out of there."
Witness Account
The witness, who was aboard a vessel in the water, provided a detailed account of the event. The airplane was initially observed flying north at about 500 feet, then turned to a southerly heading and descended to treetop level. The witness noted the airplane's nose-up attitude before the tail struck a tree, initiating a series of impacts with trees. The witness characterized the engine sound as full power, suggesting an attempt to gain altitude or maneuver away from the trees.
Pilot Experience
According to the source, after completing an airplane single-engine seaplane rating, the pilot logged a total of 26.1 hours in the accident airplane, which had floats attached to the airframe. The pilot's total airplane single-engine seaplane experience was 32.1 hours.