Flight Details
The Civil Air Patrol aircraft, piloted by a private pilot and carrying an aerial observer, departed on a public use flight under visual flight rules (VFR). The flight was diverted by CAP ground personnel to assist in locating a boat in distress. The CAP pilot located the boat and remained overhead, while CAP ground personnel notified the United States Coast Guard (USCG). USCG aircraft were dispatched to the scene and established radio contact with the CAP aircraft.
Search and Rescue
During communication with the USCG, the CAP pilot reported that fuel was critical en route to Marco. No further radio contact was established with the aircraft. The destroyed airplane was located 15 days later. Both crewmembers were killed.
Accident Investigation
Examination of the airframe, flight control system, propeller system, engine, and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash failure or malfunction. Neither fuel tank was ruptured, and no fuel was present in the tanks.