Details
The accident involved aircraft N5568D. The pilot received several weather briefings before takeoff and was advised of convective activity along the initial route of flight north of the airport. The planned departure route was toward the weather. During discussions about alternative routing possibilities, the pilot indicated he would ask air traffic control for deviation around the weather after takeoff.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, the pilot contacted Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and reported climbing to 4,000 feet. The controller, who had just come on duty, was not expecting the aircraft and did not see a flight progress slip for N5568D. A discussion followed concerning the status of the flight plan, with the controller finally clearing N5568D to maintain 4,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, radio contact was lost, and the aircraft crashed in water (Laguna Madre) about 8 miles north of the airport in an area of thunderstorms and low overcast.
Investigation Findings
There was evidence the aircraft crashed in about a 10-degree nose-down attitude. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. The relieved ARTCC controller said he advised the relieving controller that N5568D had a clearance but had not reported airborne. The relieving controller said his view of the flight progress slip was blocked and he did not see the slip until one minute later. The pilot had not logged any recent instrument approaches.