Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain altitude, resulting in controlled flight into water.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was flying above the reservoir at 500 feet approximately thirty 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 preimpact malfunctions were reported by the pilot.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA011 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 8, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sims, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Remos Aircraft Gmbh REMOS G-3
- N-number
- N18241
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.