On March 31, 1995, a Beech C23 (registration N23990) was involved in an aviation accident near Waukegan, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLICAL CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot of an airplane that departed Waukegan and never arrived at its destination was found deceased along the Lake Michigan shoreline on June 22, 1995. Witnesses reported a low-flying aircraft resembling N23990 in heavy snow.
Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, a pilot obtained two weather briefings but did not file a flight plan. The airplane departed Waukegan at approximately 1741 CST. It never arrived at its intended destination. Witnesses reported seeing a low-flying airplane resembling N23990 south of the departure airport at about 1745. They stated the weather at the time was low ceilings with heavy snow. Weather radar information confirmed precipitation in the area at the time.
Wreckage and Recovery
Several pieces identified as being from the airplane washed ashore from Lake Michigan. The pilot's body was found on June 22, 1995, along the shoreline.
Investigation Details
The investigation remains based on the available facts. The pilot had obtained two weather briefings prior to departure but did not file a flight plan. No additional causal factors have been stated.