What happened
A private flight departing from Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Orlando, Florida, was en route to Princeton Airport in New Jersey when it disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft was operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) and encountered weather radar returns indicating light to moderate precipitation. During the flight, the aircraft began an unannounced turn and a rapid descent from approximately 22,600 feet to 20,200 feet.
As the aircraft descended, the crew made several distress calls to the Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center. At one point, an occupant reported that they were not okay and required assistance. Subsequent communications indicated that the crew was unable to maintain their altitude. The final transmission occurred at 09:04:32, during which an occupant stated that the aircraft was inverted and requested help. Radar data showed the plane at 1,700 feet before it disappeared.
Following the disappearance, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search that was eventually suspended in late 2018. However, a private search effort successfully located and recovered the wreckage on February 6, 2019.
Findings
- The flight involved two fatalities, consisting of the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger.
- The aircraft was a privately owned plane operating under Part 91 regulations.
- The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with the ocean.
- The descent and subsequent loss of control occurred while the aircraft was navigating through areas of precipitation.