Accident Overview
On a day flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, a commercial certificated pilot, who also operated a lodge, was flying a float-equipped single-engine airplane to a glacier-fed coastal lake. According to the pilot, the approach to the lake was routine until the airplane was approximately 25 to 50 feet above the lake's surface. At that point, the airplane "quit flying" and descended rapidly in a level attitude before impacting the lake.
Impact and Post-Impact Sequence
During the impact, the floats spread apart and collapsed. The wings came to rest on top of the floats. The fuselage became submerged except for the cabin top. The pilot and four passengers exited the airplane and climbed onto the top of the fuselage and wings. The lake was populated with icebergs. The survivors were forced to abandon the sinking airplane and swim to a nearby iceberg.
Fatalities and Rescue
One passenger, who had not previously donned his personal flotation device and left it in the airplane, drowned. The surviving passengers were rescued by search personnel several hours after the accident.
Pilot Report and Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that prior to the accident, there were no known mechanical anomalies with the airplane, and the engine was running normally.