Incident Overview
A pilot was making a visual approach over water to a beach on the shore of a lake. While approximately 200 feet above the lake surface, the pilot reported looking inside the helicopter to check the carburetor heat setting.
Sequence of Events
When the pilot looked back up, the helicopter was oriented nose-down toward the water. The pilot initiated corrective maneuvers, during which the tail rotor struck the water's surface. The helicopter continued its descent into the lake and ultimately submerged in approximately nine feet of water.
Investigation Details
No further details from the investigation have been released. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, number of occupants, or any injuries. No cause determination has been provided.