March 2, 2012, Salisbury, N.C., Cessna LC42-550FG Columbia 350

At about 1340 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged following a collision with water. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed. The pilot departed VFR and climbed to approximately 2000 feet. The airplane was observed on radar for approximately two minutes before descending to 1800 feet. Witnesses heard the airplane flying overhead but did not see it due to heavy fog. Shortly, they heard a loud splash in the lake and saw a large spray of water.

Key Takeaways:

• A private pilot and passenger were fatally injured when their airplane crashed into water, sustaining substantial damage.
• The incident occurred during instrument meteorological conditions (heavy fog), despite the pilot departing VFR without a flight plan.
• Witnesses heard the airplane overhead and subsequently a loud splash, but heavy fog prevented them from seeing the aircraft.

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