Incident Overview
An aircraft failed to arrive at its intended destination after departing from Key West, Florida. Investigators reviewed satellite imagery showing weather and cloud cover along the route between the departure and destination airports. Radar data indicated that an aircraft departed Key West at approximately 1700 hours, proceeding northbound at 4,500 feet until it encountered adverse weather conditions.
Flight Path Details
According to radar records, after encountering bad weather, the aircraft turned southwest for about 7 miles, then turned north and climbed to 4,900 feet. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft lost 1,700 feet of altitude in 24 seconds, after which radar contact was lost. Positive identification of the aircraft was not made.
Occupants and Aircraft Status
The bodies of two of the occupants were recovered; the other two occupants were presumed to have been fatally injured. The aircraft was presumed to have been destroyed during a crash in the vicinity of the last radar position.