The pilot reported flying above a reservoir at 500 feet approximately 30 minutes before sundown. As he completed a 180-degree turn, the sun was in his eyes. He put on a cap to block the sun from his eyes, and as he was adjusting the cap, the aircraft impacted the water. The pilot stated he “apparently relaxed the back pressure on the stick enough to lose altitude.” During the impact, the right wing incurred substantial damage. No pre-impact malfunctions were reported by the pilot.
October 8, 2009, Sims, N.C., Remos Aircraft G-3
The pilot reported flying above a reservoir at 500 feet approximately 30 minutes before sundown. As he completed a 180-degree turn, the sun was in his eyes. He put on a cap to block the sun from his eyes, and as he was adjusting the cap, the aircraft impacted the water.
Key Takeaways:
- A pilot flying at 500 feet before sundown experienced sun glare after a 180-degree turn.
- While distracted by adjusting a cap to block the sun, the pilot inadvertently lost altitude, causing the aircraft to impact the water.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its right wing, with no pre-impact malfunctions reported.
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