Departure and Weight
The aircraft departed Halifax, Nova Scotia, bound for Burlington, Vermont. At departure, it was loaded approximately 400 pounds above its maximum certificated gross weight. However, during the en route portion of the flight, fuel burn-off reduced the weight to within allowable limits.
Weather Conditions
After reaching the Montpelier, Vermont area, the weather deteriorated to instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. The pilot, who was not instrument rated, indicated that he had flown into clouds on several previous occasions during the flight and had been able to return to visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
Final Moments
Just before the aircraft crashed, it was observed to spin out of low clouds. Investigators found that the autopilot roll axis was engaged, while the pitch axis was disengaged. The elevator trim was set to a near full nose-down position.
Findings
The aircraft was operating above its maximum certificated gross weight at departure, though weight was reduced en route. The non-instrument rated pilot encountered IFR conditions and had previously entered clouds but returned to VFR. The final spin occurred from low clouds, with the autopilot in a partial engagement state and the elevator trimmed nose-down.