Accident Summary
A pilot, returning from a two-week vacation trip to Arizona, experienced an accident while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) after reporting a fire and loss of gyroscopic instruments. The aircraft crashed during the approach phase. No evidence of a fire or gyro failure was found during the subsequent investigation.
Weather and Fuel
During an en route stop, the pilot ordered the aircraft fueled to partial tank capacity on one side and full on the other. The pilot also obtained a weather briefing that advised against visual flight rules (VFR) flight due to clouds, fog, and rain. The pilot held an instrument rating but was not current. Despite the briefing, the pilot continued to the destination, where the weather conditions were worse than forecast.
Approach and Holding
The pilot requested an approach from Oakland Center and was given holding instructions, with an advisory of delays due to heavy instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic. At that time, the aircraft had approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of fuel remaining. The pilot held for 47 minutes before an approach clearance was issued.
Final Maneuver and Crash
On the approach, the pilot reported the VOR inbound, but radar data showed the aircraft was over the airport instead. The aircraft was 3 miles past the airport when controllers informed the pilot of his position. The pilot then claimed there was a fire and that he had lost his gyros, requesting vectors to the airport. The aircraft crashed while maneuvering in IFR conditions. No evidence of a fire or gyro malfunction was found after the crash.