What happened
Following a series of several daytime flights throughout the region, an aircraft departed from Rockford and continued operations into the night. While the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight over Lake Michigan, the pilot lost control of the plane. The aircraft subsequently impacted the water near Manitou Beach.
There were two fatalities recorded in the accident, involving both the pilot and the passenger on board.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified that the primary reason for the accident was a loss of control in flight occurring after the pilot became disoriented or lost. Several contributing elements were noted during the inquiry:
- The pilot had been active for approximately 18 hours prior to the impact, having started operations in Rockford much earlier.
- The crew had completed roughly 10 hours of flight time during the day.
- Potential issues regarding pilot fatigue and physical impairment were considered.
- Observations noted the pilot had attended a social event involving the consumption of beer earlier that day, though toxicological results were not conclusive.