     ACCORDING TO INITIAL INVESTIGATION AND INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE  U.S. COAST GUARD,  THE DECEASED REPORTEDLY WAS AN ATTORNEY WHO RESIDED IN JUPITER, FLORIDA.  HE HAD ARRIVED IN THE BAHAMAS ON AUGUST 7, 1996 AND STAYED ON A BOAT CALLED "RHONDA KAYE".  ON AUGUST 9, 1996 THE DECEASED WAS A PILOT FLYING SOLO IN A BEECHCRAFT-36, 6-SEAT PRIVATE AIRCRAFT, N976WL, THAT DEPARTED GREAT HARBOR,  CAY, BAHAMAS ON AUGUST 9,1996 AT ABOUT 9:45 AM., AND WAS GOING TO WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA. AT 10:04 PM.,WHILE FLYING AT 10,000 FEET MEAN SEA LEVEL. THE DECEASED WAS HEARD BY TWO OTHER PILOTS ADVISE" MAY DAY" THREE TIMES, BEFORE SPIRALING DOWNWARD IN POSITION 25-54.42NORTH  078-14.59WEST.  LAST POSITION AND FINAL: 52 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTH OF FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND.
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     THE DECEASED REPORTEDLY WAS IN CONTACT WITH MIAMI AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTER--F.A.A. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.  THE DECEASED (PILOT) DID FILE INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES (IFR) FLIGHT PLAN FOR THE FLIGHT.
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     THE DECEASED'S BODY WAS RECOVERED AND BROUGHT TO THE U.S. COAST GUARD STATION AT 100 MC ARTHUR CAUSEWAY IN MIAMI BEACH, FROM WHERE HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER DEPARTMENT.


                            ***   REFILED ON SEPTEMBER 5,1996  --  IP  ***