Accident Sequence
The pilot initiated a takeoff from runway 13 on a dark night. The departure end of the runway offered few visual references. After climbing to an altitude between 800 and 1000 feet, the pilot reported a loss of instrument lighting affecting the horizontal situation indicator, attitude indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator. The passenger, who was the pilot's wife, attempted to illuminate the affected instruments using a flashlight.
The pilot engaged the heading hold function on the autopilot twice. Subsequently, the aircraft entered a steep descending left turn. Recognizing the descent, the pilot pulled the yoke aft. However, the aircraft struck the terrain.
Both occupants sustained serious injuries. The passenger notified the airport manager of the accident, prompting a search operation.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, no discrepancies with the autopilot were verified. However, a short circuit was discovered at a splice connection within the instrument lighting system.