Incident Overview
The aircraft was destroyed during an in-flight collision with water following a rapid descent from 2,400 feet mean sea level. The descent lasted approximately 32 seconds, with an average rate of about 2,600 feet per minute and a maximum rate of 4,200 feet per minute.
Wreckage Recovery
A commercial salvage company located the wreckage debris field approximately eight months after the accident. The center of the debris field was approximately 1,500 feet east of the last recorded radar track position. The debris field measured approximately 550 feet square and contained airframe structural components, avionics, engine exhaust components, and personal artifacts for at least two occupants. The main wreckage was not recovered.
Salvaged Components
The only components salvaged were the cabin heat muff/shroud, carburetor heat muff, and assorted avionic equipment. Serial numbers from the recovered avionic equipment established that the wreckage was from aircraft N2359C.
Examination
The recovered engine exhaust components were examined, and no discrepancies were identified to have been present prior to the accident.