What happened
During an on-demand flight near Fenton Lake, a single engine airplane experienced a loss of control shortly after departing the area. The aircraft descended into the lake following the malfunction.
Upon impact with the water, one passenger sustained fatal injuries and died immediately. The pilot and another passenger managed to exit the wreckage and swim toward the shoreline. While the second passenger was eventually rescued and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, the pilot succumbed to his injuries while waiting for emergency responders to arrive at the scene.
Findings
An investigation into the accident determined that the aircraft's descent was triggered by a mechanical failure within the flap control system, which led to the loss of control.