Accident Overview
An 80-year-old pilot was flying solo around a lake when he lost consciousness and subsequently struck a powerline. The airplane then nosedived into the lake. The pilot was rescued by individuals in a boat.
Pilot Background
The pilot typically flew with his son but was flying alone on the day of the accident. He intended to circle the lake and return to a private landing strip to pick up his son for another flight together. The pilot had previously owned property over which he flew during the flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he blacked out and does not recall the accident. The last thing he remembered was turning back toward the lake. He then heard voices and found people assisting him into a boat.
Witness Statement
A witness observed the airplane flying south over the lake behind her house. She saw it strike a powerline that extended from the lake bank near her house across the water to an island. Immediately after hitting the powerline, the airplane nosedived into the lake.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.