Accident Details
On November 12, 2014, at about 2020 central standard time, a Cessna 172K airplane, registration N46707, was reported missing near Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. The airplane was engaged in an instructional flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, operated by a private individual and registered to Blue Dot Aviation. The flight instructor and commercial pilot on board were both fatally injured. The extent of damage to the airplane is unknown.
Flight Sequence
The flight originated from Lakefront Airport (KNEW) in New Orleans, Louisiana, at approximately 2015. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed. According to preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot received clearance to depart KNEW and subsequently radioed that he was airborne. A few minutes later, the pilot requested a return to Lakefront Airport. No distress call was reported.
Weather Conditions
At 1953, an automated weather reporting station at KNEW reported wind from 010 degrees at 18 knots, visibility 10 miles, an overcast sky at 1,000 feet, temperature 52° Fahrenheit, dew point 46° Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 30.17 inches of mercury.
Search and Recovery
An emergency locator beacon signal was not reported. The deceased occupants were located in Lake Pontchartrain on November 19, and on November 21, the search for the airplane was suspended.