Sequence of Events
The pilot of an airplane telephoned an acquaintance who was boating on a lake and informed him of his intention to overfly the lake. At the end of the evening's civil twilight, witnesses observed the airplane approaching the lake. The pilot then telephoned the acquaintance again and asked him to shine a light toward the airplane to help the pilot locate himself on the lake.
Witness Observations
Other recreational boaters in the vicinity reported observing the airplane performing low-altitude maneuvers, including a steep pull-up and a bank at a 70-degree angle. Witnesses estimated that some maneuvers were conducted within a wingspan or two above the lake surface. They noted that the engine was not sputtering and sounded "real strong."
Accident and Wreckage
During one of the buzzing maneuvers, the airplane descended into the lake, fragmented, and sank. The accident occurred minutes after the end of civil twilight when the horizon was marginally visible. A majority of the wreckage, including the engine, was not recovered.