Accident Sequence
The aircraft was observed approaching its destination while flying under a cloud cover of approximately 1,000 feet above ground level. Upon reaching the vicinity of the airport, the pilot executed a turn and subsequently entered the clouds. A witness reported hearing what he described as variations in engine power. Shortly thereafter, the witness saw the aircraft emerge from the clouds in a steep nose-down attitude. The aircraft impacted the ground before the pilot could recover from the dive.
Pilot Information
The pilot was not rated for instrument flight. The pilot's experience included only about 2 hours of simulated instrument flight time, which was listed as dual instruction.
Aircraft Examination
Post-crash examination revealed that the aircraft was partially disintegrated, with some parts traveling more than 400 feet from the point of impact. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
Toxicology Report
A toxicology report showed that the pilot's liver fluid tissue had an alcohol level of 0.122% alcohol.