What happened
Shortly after departing from runway 21, the aircraft crashed approximately 0.8 miles east of the departure point. One minute after takeoff, the pilot reported a cloud base of 800 feet AGL to the FAA Flight Service Station.
Following this report, witnesses observed the aircraft emerging from the clouds and descending toward the ground. Witnesses also reported hearing the engine making a "screaming" sound. Just before the aircraft impacted the trees, observers noted that the nose of the airplane rose.
The investigation
The on-scene investigation found no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft. An examination of the engine was performed, which revealed no defects. While the impact forces destroyed the instrument panel and autopilot controls, investigators recovered and examined three gyros from the wreckage. Two of the three gyro casings showed evidence of rotational scoring.
Findings
At the time of the accident, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed.