Accident Details
An instrument-rated private pilot was on the return leg of his first actual IFR flight, three days after completing his instrument-airplane checkride. The pilot had accumulated two hours of actual IFR flight time prior to this flight. The examiner who had failed him on his initial checkflight two weeks before the successful check stated that the applicant tended to become overloaded by communications in addition to navigation and aircraft control.
Weather and Communications
Weather at the destination was between 500-1 and 400-1/2 in blowing snow, with winds gusting to 30 knots. Approach minimums were 500-1. Communications with air traffic control (ARTCC) were difficult throughout the flight.
Flight Path
Radar track data showed the flight path was circuitous, did not follow the published approach or missed approach, and depicted a descending spiral for the final three minutes of the flight. During these turns, the pilot stated he was proceeding to his alternate.
Aircraft Condition
Post-accident examination found the flap actuator in the fully extended position. No discrepancies were noted in the flight instruments, pitot-static system, or engines.