Incident Overview
Air Ohio Flight 21 was conducting a normal IFR cruise flight when the pilot did not respond to air traffic control instructions. The aircraft continued for 40 minutes without any reply and maintained its altitude and heading. The discrete radar target then disappeared over Lake Erie.
Pilot Condition
The pilot had not slept for approximately 30 hours prior to the loss of communication response. This fatigue was identified as a factor in the accident.
Collision and Casualties
The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain/water during an uncontrolled descent. Both occupants on board were killed.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident is based on two occurrences. Occurrence #1: undetermined, during cruise-normal phase. Findings: the pilot in command did not maintain radio communications and did not follow written/verbal instructions. Occurrence #2: in-flight collision with terrain/water during descent-uncontrolled phase. Findings: the terrain was water, rough; and the pilot in command suffered from fatigue due to lack of sleep.