Nighttime Coastal Flight Ends in Uncontrolled Descent into Water (N1976Y)

Weather and Departure Conditions The pilot received two weather briefings before departure. The briefings indicated very moist and unstable air, precipitation, occasional moderate turbulence, and isolated severe turbulence. Multiple cloud layers were present, and the flight took place during a dark night. The aircraft departed carrying bank cargo and began climbing in instrument meteorological conditions toward 6,000 feet on a northwesterly course parallel to the coastline. ## Flight Path and Loss of Contact A pilot in another light aircraft nearby reported experiencing moderate turbulence and heavy rain. The accident pilot began a southwest turn that was initially perpendicular to the desired course. While continuing the left turn, radar contact was lost as the aircraft suddenly entered an uncontrolled descent from 4,400 feet to sea level in about one-quarter of a minute. ## Wreckage Findings The main wreckage was located 1,000 feet below sea level, about 0.2 miles from the last radar position. Underwater video showed that the aircraft had fragmented into more than 200 pieces. The wreckage was not recovered.