Accident Overview
According to official reports, a student pilot departed without setting the altimeter to the field elevation. The flight proceeded south along the coast at an indicated altitude of 500 feet. After turning left to return toward the Atlantic Ocean, the airplane began descending. The pilot attempted to correct the descent by applying power, but the aircraft impacted the water. At the time of impact, the altimeter indicated 400 feet.
Pilot Background
The airplane owner stated that the pilot had not received instruction in night flying, did not have permission to fly the airplane, and had not received training in that specific make and model. The pilot further reported that he had not flown in the previous six months.