Missing Pilot Even Stole Money From His Friends

A friend and former client of the missing pilot accused of faking his own death says he is smooth and very impressive.

David Smith, from Norcross, Georgia, says he invested in financial manager Marcus Schrenker's company after a colleague recommended him. He says when he found out Schrenker was duping him, he felt stupid.

"It's a classic 'how could I be so stupid to fall for this?,'" Smith said.

Fortunately, with help from Indiana officials, Smith was able to get his money out of the company before it caved in.

Schrenker's three companies are under investigation by the Indiana Securities Division.

Schrenker was on his way from Indiana to Destin, Florida Sunday night, when he told air traffic controller his windshield had imploded. Police believe he then parachuted out of the plane, which later crashed in Milton.

"Apparently he didn't account for the huge door open in the burning more gas," Smith said. "The airplane didn't quite make it to the Gulf."