Night Visual Approach Ends in Inverted Water Landing

Incident Overview

A cross-country night flight ended with the airplane coming to rest inverted in ocean water. The airline transport pilot was conducting a visual approach to the airport. While descending over water on the left base leg, approximately 100 feet above the surface, the flight entered instrument meteorological conditions with no forward visibility.

Pilot Actions

The pilot looked outside his left window to gauge height and saw "black waves of water approaching extremely rapidly." He attempted to initiate a climb by pulling back on the yoke, but the nose wheel contacted the water. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted in the ocean.

Aircraft Status

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.