Incident Overview
At 1926, the pilot was cleared for the LOC BC ARCH approach to runway 27R. One minute later, at 1927, the pilot acknowledged a clearance to land. Approximately ten seconds after this acknowledgment, the radar target representing the aircraft disappeared from controllers' screens. The aircraft was not recovered, and three passengers onboard are missing. The pilot was rescued at 2050 from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, about one mile off the beach at West Palm Beach.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he crossed the final approach fix (KEACH intersection) at an altitude of 900 feet. The minimum altitude at that fix is 1,600 feet. The pilot stated this was the last time he recalled looking at the altimeter. He remembered looking outside and below the aircraft, where he saw a cloud layer. He also recalled thinking that the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) weather report indicated a 500-foot overcast ceiling, and that by descending below this layer, he should break out of the clouds.
Investigation
The circumstances leading to the disappearance are under investigation. The pilot's statement regarding his altitude at the final approach fix and his subsequent actions have been documented. Authorities continue to search for the missing passengers and the aircraft.