Accident Summary
A Cessna T210M, operating under instrument flight rules (IFR), lost control and collided with level terrain approximately three miles south of the airport. The accident occurred during a flight that had received air traffic control (ATC) clearance to join the flight plan airway and resume own navigation.
Radar and ATC Data
Radar contact was established with the airplane as it climbed through 300 feet MSL. The radar data indicated that the airplane appeared to be established on the assigned heading of 150 degrees. After the pilot received ATC clearance, the airplane was observed to enter a descending right turn. As the airplane descended through 1,000 feet MSL, ATC attempted to contact the pilot but received no response.
Witness Observations
Witnesses on the ground observed the airplane descend out of the overcast in a near-vertical attitude. Two witnesses reported hearing the airplane's engine overhead heading westbound and then turning eastbound. One witness stated that the engine sounded normal, with no sputtering or any abnormalities noted.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the airplane wreckage did not reveal any evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction.