Accident Summary
During an instrument climb, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft had departed an airport under low ceilings with light rain and fog. Several layers of clouds existed during the climb. The airplane was airborne for approximately ten minutes before the accident.
Flight History
The pilot was cleared to an altitude of six thousand feet. Cleveland Center lost radar contact with the aircraft at 5,300 feet approximately nine miles from the airport. The pilot was instructed to contact New York Center with an altitude readout of 4,500 feet, but never established contact. The wreckage path measured 1,176 feet in length.
Weather and Environment
Rain, thunderstorms, and turbulence within the thunderstorms had been forecast for the area. Pilot reports east of the flight path included light icing from the surface to five thousand feet.
Post-Accident Investigation
Based on physical evidence, the airplane maintained structural integrity until impact. Post-accident investigation of the engines revealed no anomalies that would have contributed to the accident. The aircraft impacted trees, cables, and terrain.