Incident Overview
The flight was proceeding normally until the pilot, tracking inbound on the Atlanta 128-degree radial toward the HUSKY intersection, was instructed to execute a 360-degree turn for spacing. After approximately 270 degrees of turn, the pilot was cleared to turn back inbound, join the Atlanta 128-degree radial, continue to HUSKY intersection, and then proceed direct to Peachtree DeKalb Airport.
Instead of turning inbound (northwest), the aircraft turned outbound (southeast) to a heading of 128 degrees. When asked about his heading, the pilot stated he had an autopilot problem but offered no further explanation. A vector was provided to turn back northwest, and the aircraft was cleared direct to the VOR. However, the aircraft again turned back to the southeast. When asked if the autopilot was engaged again, the pilot replied no. Another vector was provided to turn back toward the northwest.
The aircraft began turning but subsequently entered a steep descent and crashed. A witness reported hearing the engines at high power until the aircraft descended out of the clouds. The aircraft was extensively damaged during impact.
Investigation Findings
An investigation verified no preimpact part failure or malfunction.