Flight Details
The flight was a local search and rescue mission that departed from Georgetown, South Carolina, in visual meteorological conditions. According to flight service station personnel, the pilot did not receive a weather briefing or file a flight plan. The pilot held a private pilot certificate but was not instrument-rated.
Communications with Air Traffic Control
While in contact with Charleston Approach Control, the pilot reported encountering instrument meteorological conditions and requested assistance. Air traffic controllers provided a series of headings intended to keep the aircraft clear of the instrument conditions. The pilot subsequently advised that less than 30 minutes of fuel remained on board. In response, the controller directed the pilot to fly wings level through the clouds for 10 miles to reach the nearest airport.
While in the clouds, the pilot transmitted, "What's happening to me." At 1756:38, radio and radar contact was lost approximately 28 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.
Search and Recovery
The wreckage of the airplane was located on March 6, 1997, but was not recovered. The noninstrument-rated private pilot and the passenger are presumed to have received fatal injuries.