Incident Overview
A pilot encountered instrument problems while en route in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The air traffic controller observed the aircraft reversing course and asked if there was a problem. The pilot responded that the aircraft was in clouds, he was having trouble with his artificial horizon, and he did not realize he was in a turn. Subsequently, he reported failures of the artificial horizon and autopilot, and stated he was using needle, ball, and airspeed for reference.
Response and Conditions
The controller provided gyro out procedures, but the pilot was unable to maintain altitude and heading. Weather conditions throughout the area included low ceilings and clouds up to above 18,000 feet. The pilot was advised that the best weather was at Chattanooga, Tennessee, where conditions were reported as 1,300 scattered, 2,000 feet overcast, visibility 3 miles with light rain and fog.
Loss of Contact and Wreckage
Shortly after the weather advisory, radio and radar contact were lost. Parts of the aircraft were later found in the Combhee River. The right wing was discovered about 1,000 feet from the river.
Recovered Components
The vacuum pump, engine, turn and bank indicator, and several other items were recovered from the river. Examination of these components found no malfunction or failure.