At 0525 Eastern time, the airplane collided with a swamp and the ground while maneuvering. Night visual conditions prevailed. The airplane received substantial damage; the non-instrument-rated private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. A witness later stated he heard an airplane approaching. He looked towards the west; the ceilings were between 800 to 1000 feet, and it was dark with very little ambient light. He observed the airplane flying from the west to the east, and the navigation and landing lights were on. The airplane appeared to be near the base of the clouds, and it passed north of his house and started a turn to the north. The airplane disappeared from view and he did not hear any change in engine noise.
