What happened
The aircraft departed St. Johns, Newfoundland, on a ferry flight destined for Shannon, Ireland. At approximately 1500 AST, the Gander Area Control Center received a distress call from the aircraft. During this communication, the pilot reported an engine problem and stated that he was preparing to ditch the aircraft.
A search operation involving eleven aircraft and two surface vessels was conducted in the area. However, neither the pilot nor the aircraft was located.
Weather conditions reported by a weather ship in the vicinity included low ceilings and winds from the west at approximately 16 knots. The air temperature was 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water temperature was 42 degrees Fahrenheit, and wave heights were approximately 30 feet. These conditions continued throughout the search period, with visibility reducing to 2 miles in a mix of rain, sleet, and snow.
The pilot was presumed to have died from injuries or drowning following a ditching in heavy seas. The aircraft was presumed to have been destroyed.