Accident Overview
The aircraft collided with the surface of a lake while flying at low altitude over the water. No further details about the aircraft, operator, or location were provided in the source.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, he was initially flying at 50 feet above the water, where a good ripple on the water helped him maintain altitude reference. He then maneuvered the airplane to a different area of the lake and descended to approximately 25 feet above the water. The pilot reported that "a few moments later, near the center of the bay, the water turned to glass smooth, and I must have lost depth perception because in a moment we were touching [the] water." The pilot did not describe any mechanical issues or other causes.
Sequence of Events
Upon contacting the water, the airplane decelerated rapidly. It did not nose over or sink immediately. The pilot and his two passengers were able to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries. They spent over an hour swimming to the shore in water that was 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The following morning, they were rescued from the shore.
Damage
The source does not specify the damage to the aircraft, other than that it did not sink immediately after the collision.