What happened
The aircraft was operating under instrument flight rules and had been cleared by air traffic control for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to the airport in Hot Springs, Arkansas. While navigating the final approach segment, the pilot crossed the initial approach fix. At this point, the pilot communicated with controllers, stating an intention to climb back above the cloud layer momentarily.
Following this transmission, radar data indicates the aircraft climbed 500 feet within a span of just 12 seconds. Immediately after reaching this altitude, the pilot initiated a rapid descent. The subsequent radar returns showed two hits that were nearly superimposed on each other, indicating a very steep and fast rate of descent over a short distance.
The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground. A fire broke out at the crash site following the impact. No further details regarding the specific location of the impact or the condition of the wreckage beyond the presence of fire were provided in the source material.
The investigation
No mechanical examination findings are included in the provided source text.