Accident Details
On the flight, which was the pilot's first solo flight, the weight-shift aircraft experienced a wind shift and turbulent air shortly after takeoff. The pilot made several unsuccessful landing attempts before flying south of the airport and entering a two-mile final approach for the runway.
During the final approach, at about 50 feet above ground level, the aircraft encountered "violent turbulence." The pilot subsequently lost control, and the aircraft impacted a lake short of the runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft's wing and structural tubing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the absence of a rear seat passenger altered the control bar position from what he was accustomed to. He also stated that there were no mechanical abnormalities or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The wind recorded at an airport 10 miles to the west, around the time of the accident, was from 300 degrees at 4 knots.