What happened
The flight departed with an estimated takeoff time of approximately 1930 EST. The specific route flown prior to 2000 EST remained unknown to investigators. By around 2005, the pilot reported being unsure of his position. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft was identified flying over a military firing range. Air traffic control vectored the pilot from the range toward Ocean Isle, North Carolina.
At 2052, the pilot acknowledged instructions to change frequency to Myrtle Beach Approach Control but failed to establish contact. Subsequently, a female passenger radioed that the pilot was unconscious and that they were lost. Although air traffic control and another aircraft attempted to assist, communication with the excited passenger was extremely difficult. The pilot of the assisting aircraft believed he heard a male voice in the background state 'give me some air.'
The aircraft crashed at night while in a steep nose-down attitude, slightly inverted with the right wing low. Toxicological tests revealed significant carbon monoxide levels in all occupants: 24% for the pilot, and 22%, 35%, and 44% for the three passengers. The exact source of the carbon monoxide leak was not found.
The investigation
Investigators examined the crash site and performed toxicological analysis on the occupants. The examination focused on determining the cause of the pilot's incapacitation. While the presence of carbon monoxide was confirmed, the specific mechanical failure or leak point responsible for the contamination could not be identified.