Accident Sequence
The airplane was destroyed during low-altitude maneuvering when it impacted an ice-covered lake in a steep nose-down attitude. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying low over the lake, with one estimating its altitude between 60 and 100 feet above ground level. The airplane then entered a steep climb to approximately 300 feet, reversed direction, and executed a steep descent before striking the ice.
One witness described the maneuver: "went straight up in the air about 200 feet, made a hairpin turn, and came straight down, hitting the ice nose first."
Witness Observations
A witness observed the pilot preflight and start the airplane, reporting that it sounded "okay" during taxi and takeoff. Multiple witnesses to the accident saw the airplane flying low over the lake before the climb and descent. One witness noted that it was common for the pilot to perform low passes and maneuver at low altitude. Another witness reported that the pilot frequently executed "crop duster turns" at low altitudes.
Post-Accident Inspection
After the accident, the engine, landing gear, and cockpit broke through the ice and remained submerged, while the wings and the rest of the fuselage remained intact on top of the ice. A post-accident inspection revealed no preexisting anomalies that could be associated with a pre-impact condition.