Incident Overview
On an IFR clearance northwest over water along the Pacific coast, the pilot reported to the sector controller, "We've got a problem." The controller asked for details, and the pilot responded, "Going down fast, out of control." The controller observed the aircraft losing altitude rapidly and instructed the pilot to turn right to 090 degrees for vectors toward the shoreline. The pilot replied, "We're going in," after which no further transmissions were received.
Radar and Search
The controller noted that the aircraft's transponder code entered a coast mode and the primary radar target began a slow left turn. Radar contact was lost after the aircraft turned to a southwesterly heading. Coast Guard helicopters arrived over the accident area at approximately 1700 PST. The helicopter crews found an oil slick, landing gear, and other aircraft remnants, but the major portion of the aircraft sank and was not recovered.
Investigation
The investigation was unable to determine the cause of the loss of control due to the lack of recovered wreckage and limited data. No further analysis or conclusions are available from the source.