What happened
The flight departed from Pompano Beach Airpark and proceeded to Okeechobee County Airport, where approximately 79 gallons of fuel were added. Pilots who had used the same fuel source on the preceding day or the day of the accident reported no issues. After departing for Ormond Beach, the aircraft climbed to a maximum altitude of 4,400 feet while maintaining a northerly heading.
During the flight, the aircraft began descending at an average rate of 200 feet per minute, occasionally leveling off at previous altitudes. As the aircraft continued north and reached 2,600 feet, it initiated a right turn. Radar data analysis showed that between the final two radar targets, the airplane lost 1,000 feet of altitude in just 12 seconds during the turn. At this time, the aircraft was positioned above a layer of fog that reached up to 1,240 feet.
A witness reported hearing an impact and traveled to the vicinity of the accident site, though they did not see any wreckage and did not contact law enforcement. The aircraft impacted into a marsh, resulting in the destruction of the airplane. The wreckage was located two days after the accident.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuselage and wings were fragmented. While the engines were located, they could not be recovered. Investigators found no evidence of an in-flight breakup or any pre-impact fire. The stabilator trim was found in a full nose-down position, though the control cables were fractured. No components from an autopilot system were recovered.
Findings
The autopsy report for the occupant indicated fatal injuries, specifically the loss of most of the brain and heart.