NTSB Factual Report

On April 14, 1996, at 1410 central standard time, a Cessna U206G, N734QW, registered to and operated by Signal Air Inc. under Title 14 CFR Part 91, was destroyed following impact with water near Venice, Louisiana. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross country flight and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries, two passengers were seriously injured, and one passenger received minor injuries. The flight originated from Burrwood, Louisiana, approximately 5 minutes before the accident.

According to a statement given by one passenger to the coroner office's chief investigator, the airplane was approximately "300 feet off the ground when whey encountered fog. The pilot made a right turn and began to descend. The airplane impacted the water, and the windshield popped out. The airplane bounced once and came to rest inverted." The passenger also stated that when they had departed the airport, the weather had been "crystal clear" and "no one noticed the fog until they were already in it." The airplane was not recovered.

Toxicological tests and an autopsy were ordered and performed. The toxicological tests were negative, and the autopsy was performed by the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office in Gretna, Lousiana.

Attempts to obtain a Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the operator of the airplane were unsuccessful.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions. A factor was the fog.