Radar Tracking
The tower tracked radar returns believed to be from the accident aircraft. The track proceeded north to a point west of the coastline. Altitude returns indicated 3,000 feet, a descent to 1,500 feet, then a climb back to 1,800 feet before radar contact was lost.
Witness Account
A lifeguard reported seeing the aircraft complete a loop, level off, and then nose over in a dive until crashing into the ocean.
Background
The pilot's girlfriend contacted the operator asking if the pilot had taken off and expressed concern about a possible attempted suicide. The operator then contacted the tower, but the aircraft had already departed. A friend of the pilot reported that the pilot had been despondent recently about the death of his mother and his deteriorating health. Additionally, the pilot had left a handwritten will dated the day before the accident.
Coroner's Findings
The coroner reported finding evidence of advanced coronary artery disease and a previous heart attack. The coroner ruled the death as suicide.