Flight History
A private, non-instrument rated pilot was returning home under visual flight rules (VFR) at night. The pilot initially received VFR flight following from Eglin Approach and was given a frequency change to Jacksonville Center. No subsequent communications were received from the pilot; Jacksonville Center reported that the radio frequency provided was incorrect, and transmissions would not have been effective on that frequency.
Radar data indicated that the aircraft was traveling east-northeast at 2,400 feet when it entered a descending, right-hand turn. Radar contact was lost at 400 feet, with the aircraft in a steep, right-hand descending turn.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was found in an open, plowed field. General disintegration of the wreckage indicated a high-energy impact with terrain. No evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure was observed during the wreckage examination.
The area of the crash site was remote farmland with a marked absence of ground lighting. Local area thunderstorms and high cloud cover produced conditions conducive to spatial disorientation.
Pilot Experience
The pilot's total flight time was 115 hours, including 12 hours at night.