What happened
The aircraft was proceeding southwest along Victor Airway Sixteen while inbound to the Coyle VOR. At an altitude of 6000 feet, the pilot reported a complete loss of gyro instruments. The weather conditions were described as solid IFR, which typically requires strict reliance on flight instruments for navigation and attitude control.
When air traffic control asked if the pilot wished to declare an emergency and land immediately, the pilot declined the offer. Instead, the pilot stated an intention to continue the flight despite the instrument failure. Shortly after this report, the aircraft began to lose altitude and veer away from its assigned course.
Air traffic control notified the pilot of the deviation. The pilot responded that corrective action would be taken. However, the aircraft continued to deviate from its path. As the plane descended to 5200 feet, the pilot made a final radio transmission that abruptly ended with the words, "...I'm in trouble." There were no further communications from the cockpit.
The aircraft subsequently collided with the ground in a wooded area. The wreckage was scattered over a distance of approximately 1700 feet in a northerly direction. Significant structural damage included separation of the wings, tail, and fuselage.