Accident Overview
Radar signal data recorded the subject aircraft moving northwest in a shallow climb. The track data terminated at approximately 0538 Central Daylight Time, about 12 minutes into the flight. The Federal Aviation Administration reported losing the radar signal at that time.
Witness Account
A witness located near the VOR station reported hearing an aircraft flying overhead around the time the FAA lost the radar signal. The witness listened intently for the sound of the aircraft's engine, expecting it to fade into the distance, but did not hear any additional engine sound. The abrupt cessation of engine noise suggests a sudden loss of power or impact.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions for the area consisted of marginal visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, with thunderstorm activity moving into the St. Louis area. These conditions would have required instrument proficiency for safe flight.
Pilot Qualifications
According to available personal flight records, the pilot-in-command was not properly qualified for instrument flight conditions and was not current for flight in instrument meteorological conditions. This indicates a lack of recent training or currency in instrument flying procedures.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the accident aircraft did not reveal any pre-impact flight control problems. The airframe and systems appeared to have been functioning normally before the event, suggesting that mechanical failure was not a factor in the loss of control or power.