Flight Sequence
The flight had been airborne for approximately 38 minutes when the pilot began experiencing communication problems. Nine minutes later, the pilot reported "instrument problems" and started receiving radar vectors to a landing. Fifteen minutes after that, she declared an emergency and stated that her magnetic compass and directional gyro had malfunctioned. She then began receiving no-gyro radar vectors at 1000 feet MSL.
After completing three no-gyro turns, the pilot was instructed to "stop turn." Twenty-five seconds later, she transmitted "I'm, I'm starting to spin." No further transmissions were received from the aircraft.
The aircraft impacted approximately three miles west of the intended landing airport.
Post-Impact Examination
An examination of the attitude indicator, the directional gyro, both vacuum pumps, and related components indicated that they were functioning upon impact. However, the accuracy of the instrument indications could not be determined due to impact damage. Aircraft logs revealed no previous write-ups related to the instrument system.