Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island 

     On the evening of January 14, 1978, Navy Lieutenant Commander James Lee Martin, 32, took off from Jacksonville, Florida, in a single-engine Temco GC-1B airplane, (Reg. #N2406B), bound for Norwood, Massachusetts.   As he approached Rhode Island he attempted to land at Newport State Airport, but the runways were too icy.  As he continued on over Narragansett Bay his plane was seen to suddenly dive into the water and explode.  The accident occurred about 1/4 mile north of the Newport Bridge.

     Underwater Navy salvage crews located the wreckage in 102 feet of water.  When they went to recover it, they discovered that strong currents had carried it away and they were forced to begin a new search.  

     The aircraft was later partially recovered about a 1/2 mile south of Gould Island, but the body of Lt. Cmdr. Martin was not in it.   His body was later recovered on July 22nd.   

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/166016467/james-lee-martin

     Sources:

     Providence Journal Bulletin, “Divers Search Bay For wrecked Plane”, January 16, 1978.

     Providence Journal, “Divers Fail To Reach Wreckage Of Airplane”, January 18, 1978.

     Providence Journal, “Fishing Boat Snags Wreckage Of Plane Near Gould Island”, February 15, 1978.

     Providence Jounral, “Body Found In bay Identified As Victim Of Plane Crash, Lt. Cmdr. James Martin”, July 21, 1978. 

     Aviation Safety Network