Commuter Flight Crashes into Water After Encountering Snow Squall (N11250)

Accident Overview

A scheduled commuter flight departed from a floatplane base on a company VFR flight plan. The flight proceeded northwest along a saltwater strait at a low altitude above the water. Approximately two miles northwest of the departure airport, the aircraft entered a snow squall. In response, the pilot initiated a steep turn to reverse course. During the turn, the aircraft stalled and impacted the water, sinking to a depth of 167 feet. Search and rescue efforts were suspended after four days.

Findings and Probable Cause

Official investigation findings identified the following sequence of events:

Occurrence #1: In-Flight Encounter with Weather

• Phase of Operation: Cruise
• Finding 1: The weather condition was snow.
• Finding 2: The pilot inadvertently flew VFR into IMC.
• Finding 3: The pilot's weather evaluation was poor.

Occurrence #2: Loss of Control in Flight

• Phase of Operation: Maneuvering – turn to reverse direction
• Finding 4: The pilot executed an excessive maneuver.
• Finding 5: The stall was inadvertent.

Occurrence #3: In-Flight Collision with Terrain/Water

• Phase of Operation: Descent – uncontrolled

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's inadvertent flight into IFR conditions and the stall that occurred during the turn to reverse course. Contributing to the accident were the snow conditions encountered.