Sequence of Events
The airplane departed between 1900 and 2000. At about 2215, radar observed it in a climbing turn. The pilot was not in radio contact with any ATC facility. The airplane continued to climb past 21,000 feet.
At about 0045, an ATC controller established radio contact with the pilot, who indicated he was out of fuel. The airplane was then observed descending out of 21,000 feet. The pilot was transferred to another controller and advised that he was out of 21,000 feet and requested an approach.
The controller informed the pilot of an airport 5 miles north of the airplane's position, but the pilot declined, stating, "Yeah, I prefer water." Similar conversations continued for the next 20 minutes, during which the controller offered assistance and advice, and the pilot continued to request a water landing.
During the descent, the pilot commented about the water: "All things considered, I think that would be the best place to go." He also stated, "As you might have guessed, I have not had a good day...Ah you don't understand, I'm going swimming tonight." The pilot's last transmission reported, "Uh, I thing [sic] it's right under me."
The airplane then struck an ice-covered reservoir in a nose-down attitude. The engine and cockpit areas penetrated the 6-inch thick ice.
Aircraft and Pilot Background
The airplane was operated by a flying club, was overdue an annual maintenance inspection, and was not scheduled to be flown. The pilot's automobile had been involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident the night before the takeoff, and an arrest warrant had been issued for the pilot.