Trenton, MO, USA
N1178J
Boeing N2S-3
Same as Factual Information
The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted water while maneuvering. The pilot stated that he was "positioning [the airplane] on downwind for a low approach to runway 18" while following another airplane that was conducting a low approach. The pilot reported that while he was attempting to "level off" the "elevator froze," preventing him from leveling off. One witness stated that she saw the airplane attempt to complete a loop. Another witness, who was a certified flight instructor, stated that he saw the airplane in a near vertical descent prior to flying below tree top level. The airplane subsequently impacted water east of the airport. An inspection after the accident revealed no mechanical anomalies which would have prevented normal operation of the airplane.
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the water while maneuvering. A factor in the accident was the low altitude maneuver attempted by the pilot.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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