Please excuse my ignorance, Wouldn’t you fly away from the lake to Columbus?
I’m guessing they took off from Burke airport which is adjacent to the lake.
The air-traffic take-off pattern probably sent them out over the lake to achieve a specific altitude before turning south. As such, I don't doubt the plane must have gone down within in a very small radius over the lake. I am surprised they don't have boats out there looking. I live near Lake Erie. Waves near shore are higher than normal, but nothing a Coast Guard vessel can't deal with. And there's no ice yet either.
Benn wondering that myself all morning. I wonder if it has something to do with Hopkins?
They would take off into the wind, likely out of the N at that point. It takes several miles before a turn could be made in an aircraft like that.
They take off INTO the wind which was probably coming down from the lake. It appears that the pilot screwed up by trying to beat the weather and get back home. All for a stupid BB game! Nuts!
I was raised on Erie and the weather this time of year is a mess.
Depends on which direction the wind was from.Can always turn after departure.
Air traffic control directs you. They make me go over the ocean when I take off from Jacksonville,Fl area. Trying to keep you well away from major airport traffic.