What happened
An instrument-rated private pilot was conducting the return leg of his first actual IFR flight, having completed his instrument-airplane checkride only three days prior. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accumulated only two hours of actual IFR flight time.
During the flight, communications with Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) were difficult. Radar tracking showed a circuitous flight path that did not follow the published approach or a missed approach procedure. In the final three minutes of the flight, radar data depicted a descending spiral. During these maneuvers, the pilot stated he was proceeding to his alternate airport.
At the destination, weather conditions were reported between 5/400-1 and 4/250 in blowing snow, with winds gusting to 30 knots. The approach minimums for the area were 500-1.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition following the accident. The flap actuator was found in the fully extended position. There were no discrepancies noted regarding the engines, the pitot-static system, or the flight instruments.