Muskegon Special VFR Departure Ends in Lake Michigan Ditching (N560SP)

Departure and Loss of Orientation The aircraft was the third of four airplanes departing Muskegon under a Special VFR clearance to the south. After takeoff, the non-instrument rated pilot became disoriented over Lake Michigan. Air traffic control issued a heading for the pilot to return to the airport. ## Ditching and Rescue The pilot reported attempting to keep the airplane level and looking for VFR conditions when the aircraft “belly flopped” into the lake. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane and held onto a floating tire until the Coast Guard rescued them. The Coast Guard stated that visibility was 1/4 mile in fog, requiring them to shut off the boat engine and listen for cries for help to locate the occupants. Both occupants were in 39-degree water for about 12 minutes and suffered minor injuries and hypothermia. ## Weather and Wreckage Weather at Muskegon Airport at the time was 700 broken with 2 1/2 miles visibility in mist. The airplane sank in 60-foot-deep water and was later recovered. An inspection of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction.