What happened
The incident occurred while a commercially certificated pilot was operating under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot was engaged in a business activity involving guiding services when he attempted an off-airport landing. According to the pilot's report, the aircraft touched down prematurely on a surface of glassy water before reaching the intended landing area. Upon impact, the airplane nosed over. The pilot indicated that there were no pre-impact mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the event.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed specific damage resulting from the nose-over. The windshield was broken, and structural damage was identified on one wing of the airplane. No mechanical failures were reported by the pilot prior to the impact.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the premature touchdown on glassy water conditions. The visual distortion caused by the glassy surface likely contributed to the pilot's inability to judge altitude accurately, leading to the short landing and subsequent nosing over.