Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, during takeoff initial climb at approximately 90 feet above ground level, the airplane flew through a flock of canary-sized birds. After the bird strikes, the airplane continued to climb, but the propeller then became unbalanced, causing a violent vibration. This was followed by a steep left bank and then a right bank. The pilot recalled that the airspeed decreased, and the stall warning horn sounded. Approximately five seconds later, the airplane impacted a body of water adjacent to the airport in a 60° left bank.
Damage
Photographs provided by Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspectors showed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.