What happened
During the final approach phase of flight into Merritt Island Airport, an aircraft entered a steep turn. During this maneuver, the pilot lost control of the plane, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a nearby river.
The impact with the water caused the total destruction of the airframe. There was one fatality involving the pilot, and no other occupants were reported on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while executing a steep turn during the approach to the runway.