Originally Posted by
PA39
Stall spin after EFATO due to engine component failure or fuel exhaustion would be my initial thoughts.
Going by the damage to the front of the aircraft, and the compression damage to the rear of the fuselage, it seems the tail feathers were trying to catch up to the prop spinner.
Not what you'd expect from a controlled ditching. Tragic at any time of year,- but less than a week out from Xmas, just devastating.