Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting a flight with an intermittent Mode C readout, though no issues with flight instruments or aircraft systems were reported. Upon arriving in the destination area, air traffic control issued radar vectors and instructed a descent from 6,000 to 3,000 feet. The initial portion of the descent appeared normal on radar.
Loss of Contact
At approximately 5,100 feet, the radar target entered coast mode, indicating a loss of tracking data. Simultaneously, both radar and radio contact were lost. The aircraft continued beyond the point of last contact.
Wreckage Recovery
Two days later, the wreckage was located in dense woods, spread over an area of about 200 feet. The debris field was situated roughly 2.5 miles along the flight path from the last radar position.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of airframe, engine, or systems failure. Additionally, there was no indication that icing conditions existed during the descent phase of the flight.