Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DEN91FA049

STERLING, CO, USA

Aircraft #1

N4179S

BEECH F33A

Analysis

A YOUNG PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER FRIEND WERE OBSERVED `BUZZING' THE STERLING, COLORADO, WATER RESERVOIR. THE WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS SKIMMING THE GLASSY SURFACE OF THE WATER WHEN IT STRUCK THE WATER, PITCHED UP ABRUPTLY, THEN NOSED DOWN UNTIL IT IMPACTED THE WATER AND SANK.

Probable Cause and Findings

POOR JUDGEMENT OF THE PILOT AND HIS MISJUDGEMENT OF ALTITUDE WHILE BUZZING OVER GLASSY WATER. HIS LACK OF VISUAL QUES TO JUDGE ALTITUDE OVER GLASSY WATER WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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