What happened
On June 15, 2014, a Grumman American AA-5B, registration N28718, crashed into the Pacific Ocean approximately 3 miles northwest of Florence Municipal Airport (6S2) in Oregon. The flight, which was being operated as a personal flight under Part 91, departed the airport at approximately 0845.
Witnesses observed the pilot departing in marginal visual meteorological conditions. About one hour later, a witness heard an engine approaching the airport but could not see the aircraft due to deteriorating weather, including low ceilings and reduced visibility. Another witness on the beach reported seeing the aircraft emerge from low clouds above a river traveling westbound. The witness noted the pilot pitched the aircraft up and reentered the clouds. Shortly after, the aircraft was seen exiting the low overcast about 400 yards offshore in a near-vertical attitude with the right wing low, before impacting the ocean.
There were 2 fatal injuries resulting from the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed. While the main wreckage was not located, various components including a wing flap, rudder, elevators, and landing gear wheel washed ashore.
The investigation
Because much of the aircraft remained submerged, a full post-accident examination of the airframe and engine could not be performed. However, maintenance records showed the aircraft had received an annual inspection on April 1, 2014.
Meteorological data from a nearby automated station indicated an overcast ceiling of 300 feet and visibility of 1 1/4 miles around the time of the accident. Satellite imagery also confirmed a band of low stratiform clouds over the area.
An autopsy of the pilot determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma. Medical examination revealed moderate single vessel coronary artery disease. Toxicology testing identified 6-ß-natrexol, a metabolite of naltrexone, in the pilot's blood and liver. While naltrexone is used to assist with sobriety, it is not known to be generally impairing, though withdrawal symptoms can occur during early treatment.