Incident
During an offshore flight over the Gulf of Mexico, an aircraft being used to demonstrate flight characteristics to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets entered a descent and crashed approximately 3 miles from land. A witness who observed the aircraft just before impact reported that it was spinning in a nose-down attitude. The aircraft sank almost immediately in 28 feet of water.
Investigation
Investigators found no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft. A check of the weight and balance information showed that the aircraft had been loaded approximately 114 pounds over its maximum weight limit. Radar data indicated that just before the loss of radar contact, the pilot had made two rapid 180-degree turns.
No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or the number of occupants. The time of day, weather conditions, and whether ATC was involved were not specified.