What happened
The pilot and three passengers departed on a night flight over water toward an island in Lake Erie. The purpose of the trip was to provide assistance to a heart patient located on the island. No flight plan was filed, and there is no record that a weather briefing was obtained prior to departure.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft reportedly disappeared into a cloud or haze. Following the departure, sheriff's personnel received a radio transmission from the aircraft stating, "We are in it." Local residents reported the presence of patchy fog in the area at the time.
When the aircraft failed to arrive at its intended destination, a search operation was initiated. The plane was eventually located submerged in Lake Erie along the expected route of flight.
The investigation
Examination of the recovered aircraft revealed that it was largely intact. However, the engine was found loose from the firewall, and there was significant damage to the right outer wing panel. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure.
Weather conditions approximately 45 miles west at Toledo, Ohio, at 2150 included an overcast ceiling at 1,500 feet with visibility variable between 1 and 2 miles due to fog. The temperature was 32 degrees Fahrenheit with a dew point of 31, and winds were from 330 degrees at 4 knots.
Findings
The combination of night conditions and instrument meteorological conditions contributed to the accident. The lack of a filed flight plan and absence of weather briefing records suggest inadequate preparation for the overwater segment. The distress call indicates the crew encountered difficulties consistent with the reported fog and low visibility.