Accident Overview
An instrument-rated private pilot departed a small island airport on a 19-nautical-mile flight across the waters of a sound to the mainland. The airplane was tracked by radar for 1 minute and 39 seconds after departure. The last radar hit showed the airplane at 500 feet mean sea level (MSL) about 4 nautical miles northeast of the departure airport. The wreckage was located the following morning approximately 2 miles southeast of the departure airport in 5 feet of water. Examination of the wreckage indicated that the airplane impacted the water in a left-wing-low and nose-low attitude. No pre-impact mechanical anomalies were found with the airframe or engine.
Witness Reports
A witness, also an instrument-rated private pilot, observed the airplane depart and stated that it was in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) about 100 feet MSL as it departed over the Gulf of Mexico. The witness added that there was heavy fog everywhere and listened to the engine sound for one to two minutes after departure, noting no unusual sounds. A fisherman on the water near the accident site did not see or hear the accident but reported that fog rolled in around the time of the accident, reducing visibility to zero feet for about 15 minutes before increasing to 50 feet.
Radar Data
Radar data showed the first target approximately 1 nautical mile southeast of the departure airport at 400 feet MSL. Over the next 1 minute and 15 seconds, the airplane maintained an east-northeast heading, initially climbing to 700 feet and then descending to 500 feet. The airplane then began a left turn, turning approximately 100 degrees through a northerly heading, at which point the last radar hit was recorded. The intended course to the destination was due east. No radio communications from the airplane were received by any air traffic control facility.
Aftermath
The pilot intended to pick up passengers at the destination airport. When he did not arrive, concerned family members notified authorities. Search and rescue efforts were initiated but suspended due to fog and darkness. The wreckage was discovered the next morning.