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:

• An airplane crashed into water, resulting in substantial damage and the fatal injury of both the private pilot and passenger.
• The accident occurred in instrument conditions with heavy fog, after the VFR-departing pilot climbed to approximately 2000 feet without filing a flight plan.

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