Accident Overview
The aircraft departed an airport under very poor IFR weather conditions. Shortly after departure, the pilot reported unspecified autopilot problems, followed by reports of instrument troubles. Radar controllers gave the pilot a no-gyro turn to the left. After the instructions were issued, the aircraft disappeared off radar.
Wreckage and Examination
Inspection of the aircraft did not reveal any malfunction of the controls. The separated wing, found lying inverted in the field 50 feet from the main wreckage, did not exhibit any pre-existing cracks. Examination of the vacuum system did not reveal any prior failure. No mechanical difficulty was found to account for the loss of control.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft fly overhead at a very low altitude with the sound of the engine running at full power. They also heard the aircraft hit the ground a very short time after it flew overhead.