Flight Preparation
At 0630 and 0800, the pilot received weather briefings for an IFR flight to Bridgeport, Connecticut. The briefings included flight precautions for icing, low ceilings, and low visibility. The flight departed at 0907.
Diversion and Approach
At 1118, the pilot diverted to Windsor Locks for landing at Bradley International Airport due to reported weather below landing minimums at the intended destination and alternate, White Plains, New York. The flight was vectored for an ILS approach to runway 06.
Incident Sequence
After passing the outer marker inbound, Bradley Tower received a low altitude alert for the aircraft at an altitude of 1900 feet. The controller advised the pilot of the alert and received an unintelligible reply, followed by "I'm fighting." The controller then observed the aircraft turn slightly to the left and then make a circle to the right. Ground witnesses observed the aircraft maneuvering at treetop level.
Final Position
The aircraft came to rest oriented on a 355-degree magnetic heading, located on the extended approximate centerline 3.5 miles southwest from the approach end of runway 06.