Departure
After receiving a special VFR clearance to depart the control zone to the northeast, a non-instrument rated pilot initiated takeoff on a southeasterly heading over water. Conditions at the time included low ceilings and low visibility.
Controller Observations
Air traffic controllers monitored the aircraft after departure. One controller observed the aircraft start a right turn after takeoff, then roll left into a left turn. Another controller tracked the aircraft's radar target, which climbed to 600 feet and then descended to 500 feet before the target disappeared from the radar scope approximately 1 mile south of the airport.
Witness Accounts
Two ground witnesses observed the aircraft impact the water after it descended out of the clouds.
Conclusion
The sequence of events, as documented by controllers and witnesses, indicates that the aircraft descended from clouds and struck the water shortly after departure.