Departure and Briefing
The flight departed from an airport at approximately 2307, after the control tower had closed for the night. Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing from a Flight Service Station. No significant weather was reported along the intended route or at the destination airport.
Flight Path and Radar Data
Reconstructed radar data indicated that after departure, the airplane flew south and then made a turn to the northwest. The data showed the airplane in level flight for several miles. At a point approximately 35 miles from the probable location of impact with the ocean, the radar data indicated the airplane began a descent of about 300 feet per minute. The descent continued until the radar signal disappeared approximately 1 mile offshore.
Debris Discovery
The following morning, crewmembers from a commercial boat observed and recovered airplane debris floating in the water. The debris was identified as belonging to the missing aircraft.