Incident
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot contacted Minneapolis Center to activate an IFR flight plan. During the transmission, the pilot reported a complete failure of the aircraft's gyro instruments. In response, air traffic controllers initiated a no-gyro approach procedure, issuing turn instructions to guide the pilot to the nearest airport. While executing the no-gyro turn, the aircraft disappeared from radar coverage.
Recovery
The aircraft was subsequently recovered from a lake. The location of the wreckage was almost directly beneath the last known radar position of the aircraft. The aircraft was retrieved for further examination.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the wreckage was conducted. The examination revealed a sheared vacuum pump shaft. No other anomalies were noted in the inspection.