Accident Description
A non-instrument-rated pilot was flying northbound over Biscayne Bay at night. The weather conditions included scattered clouds at 1,500 to 2,500 feet with rainshowers. The flight was in radio and radar contact with Miami Approach, which observed erratic heading and altitude changes. The pilot reported to air traffic control that he was losing control.
Witness Reports
Ground witnesses on a sailboat in the harbor of Boca Chita Island reported seeing the aircraft descending at a 45-degree nose-down attitude before crashing into the bay.
Examination Findings
A post-crash examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of failure or malfunction of the aircraft structure, flight controls, engine, or vacuum system. The pilot's logbook was not located after the accident, and the recency of experience for night flight and instrument flight could not be determined.