I flew with Peter out of Civic Helicopters in Carlsbad for about 3 years. He worked there as an instructor and mechanic. He had achived a life ambition by buying his own R22, and he also owned a gyroplane. He was due to get married in December. He was a CFII.
He was piloting the R44, with 2 others onboard, and was following a Jet Ranger. The weather report given by John Eacott doesn't quite match what the coast guard reported on scene. They reported 1/4 mile visibility and an indefinite 100 foot ceiling. What they were doing flying in those conditions and 1 mile off shore I just don't know. I have my own theory as to what happened and I don't think it requires too much speculation.
They were part of an expedition that was retracing the path opened by Lewis and Clarke.
A tragic and totally wasteful end to 3 lives.