Overview
On a night visual flight rules (VFR) flight, an aircraft crashed into the Chesapeake Bay. The pilot, who was not instrument rated, was seated in the right seat. The aircraft was found in a steep nose-down attitude. Witnesses who heard the impact reported the weather as cloudy, although conditions 35 miles north of the accident site were reported as clear. The investigation did not disclose any evidence of aircraft mechanical malfunction.
Weather Conditions
According to witness statements, the weather at the accident site was cloudy at the time of the crash. However, weather reports from a location 35 miles north indicated clear skies. This discrepancy suggests localized adverse weather conditions near the accident site.
Pilot Background
The pilot held a non-instrument rating and was not a certified flight instructor (CFI). Despite this, the pilot had logged 44 hours of instructional time. The reason for the pilot being seated in the right seat was not specified in the investigation.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not find any evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction in the aircraft. No other contributing factors were explicitly stated in the source material. The exact cause of the crash remains undetermined based on the available information.