What happened
A twin engine turboprop aircraft, operating as a CFR Part 135 VFR cargo flight, departed from a rural airport with a pilot and one non-revenue passenger on board. During the flight over ocean waters, the aircraft failed to arrive at its intended destination and was subsequently reported overdue.
Following the report, search teams scanned the projected flight path over the sea. Aerial searchers soon identified floating debris approximately 30.5 miles southwest of the departure airport and roughly 10 miles from the coastline. The debris field included items such as cardboard boxes, aircraft seats, and fragments of the wreckage. It is believed the aircraft submerged in ocean waters with depths estimated between 50 and 70 feet.
Analysis of archived radar data indicates that as the aircraft approached the area 30.5 miles southwest of the departure point, it began a descent to 500 feet MSL followed by a right-hand turn. The descent continued to 400 feet MSL while maintaining a ground speed of 180 knots. The final radar contact showed the aircraft on a heading of approximately 200 degrees at the same speed. Despite underwater search and recovery operations, the aircraft, the pilot, and the passenger remain missing.
Findings
- Radar data confirmed a descending right turn occurred prior to the loss of signal.
- Local geographical observations noted that the area where the descent was recorded is a common location for sighting migrating whales.