Accident Details
A pilot and three passengers departed at night on an overwater flight to an island in Lake Erie to provide assistance to a heart patient. No flight plan was filed, and no record of a weather briefing was found. After takeoff, the aircraft reportedly disappeared in a cloud or haze. Sheriff's personnel received a radio call from the aircraft stating, "we are in it." When the aircraft did not arrive at its destination, a search was initiated.
Weather Information
According to local residents, there was patchy fog in the area. About 45 miles west at Toledo, Ohio, the 2150 weather included 1,500 feet overcast, visibility variable 1 to 2 miles with fog, temperature 32°F, dew point 31°F, and wind from 330° at 4 knots.
Discovery and Condition
The aircraft was found in Lake Erie along the expected route of flight. The aircraft was intact, except the engine was loose from the firewall and there was major damage to the right outer wing panel. No preimpact or mechanical malfunction or failure was found.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause includes two occurrences. Occurrence #1: an in-flight encounter with weather during cruise, with findings of inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot in command, dark night light conditions, fog weather condition, continued VFR flight into IMC by the pilot in command, and self-induced pressure on the pilot in command. Occurrence #2: an in-flight collision with terrain/water at an unknown phase of operation, with findings of proper altitude not maintained by the pilot in command, clearance misjudged by the pilot in command, and spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot in command.