Accident Narrative
According to the pilot, the incident occurred on departure. The aircraft had climbed to an altitude of approximately 300 feet when the engine started running roughly. In an attempt to resolve the issue, the pilot introduced additional mixture into the engine. This action resulted in the engine operating normally for a brief period of about five seconds, after which the engine ceased operation entirely. With the engine no longer producing power, the pilot determined that the only viable landing option was a nearby lake. The pilot executed a forced landing on the water. During the landing, the airplane initially skimmed across the surface for a few seconds before it inverted, coming to rest on its back. The pilot was able to escape the submerged cockpit through the windscreen. After exiting, the pilot climbed onto the inverted wing's lower surface and then swam to the shore. The pilot observed that the airplane sank nose first approximately 30 seconds after landing.
Examination Findings
A subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left wing had sustained substantial damage. The engine was subjected to an examination, which disclosed that the left magneto was inoperative. Further internal inspection of the magneto found corrosion present on the points, the P-lead, and the capacitor.