Cessna Aircraft Company, 172C; VH-JLG; 7km S Coffs Harbour, NSW

The aircraft had been cleared to track south over water through the Coffs Harbour control zone. After reporting passing abeam the aerodrome the pilot requested a clearance to descend to 500 feet.The clearance was given to the pilot and acknowledged. Two minutes later the pilot reported that he was returning to land at Coffs Harbour and that he had no visibility at that stage. Shortly after the pilot was cleared to join the circuit for landing, communication was lost with the aircraft. The aircraft had impacted the sea near Sawtell in a heavy rainstorm.