Pilot Reported That He Was On A Local Sightseeing Flight At The Time Of Accident

Location: Beaver Island, MI Accident Number: CEN23FA257
Date & Time: June 23, 2023, 08:44 Local Registration: N103DG
Aircraft: Avid Magnum Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 23, 2023, about 0844 eastern daylight time, an Avid Magnum airplane, N103DG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Beaver Island, Michigan. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The passenger was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he was on a local sightseeing flight at the time of accident. The airplane inadvertently impacted the surface of Lake Michigan about 3.25 miles northwest of the Beaver Island shoreline. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a SOS message from the pilot’s emergency beacon. The airplane came to rest in about 20 feet of water. The floats were separated and recovered about 250 yards from the main wreckage.

During the accident sequence, the left and right wing, empennage, and fuselage were substantially damaged. An post recovery airframe and engine examination is planned.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov