What happened
During a pre-flight weather briefing, the pilot was informed that visual flight rules (VFR) operations were not recommended due to low ceilings and reduced visibility east of Panama City and along the Gulf Coast. At approximately 20:15, while roughly 28 miles southeast of Destin, the pilot contacted Eglin Approach Control and was advised that Eglin Air Force Base had no weather capability for Destin. Shortly thereafter, the controller informed the pilot that the Eglin control zone was under instrument flight rules (IFR) and asked if he was IFR qualified. The pilot stated he was not. There were no further communications with the pilot. The aircraft appeared to be in an orbit, and a few minutes later, radar contact was lost. On April 27, 1982, the pilot's body washed ashore on the Gulf Coast near the aircraft's last known position. The wreckage was not recovered, and the two passengers are missing and presumed fatal.
Findings
The pilot had received his private pilot certificate on April 3, 1982. The lack of instrument rating and the deteriorating weather conditions were significant factors in the incident.