Accident Sequence
During initial climb after takeoff at night, the pilot reported a 'major problem' but did not explain the nature of the problem. About one minute later, at an altitude of approximately 1100 feet MSL, the airplane entered a left climbing turn. At an altitude of about 1300 feet MSL, radar contact was lost as the airplane was on a northeasterly heading. Witnesses reported that the airplane descended and crashed in a 'steep angle.' Impact occurred in shallow water near the shore of a bay. Wreckage debris was scattered in a southerly direction from a mud crater, where the front engine was found.
Weather Conditions
At 2212 EDT, the Hyannis weather was reported as: 700 feet broken, 1000 feet overcast, 2 miles visibility with rain and fog, wind from 030 degrees at 5 knots.
Postaccident Examination
Damage to the airplane precluded any determination of a system failure. The directional gyro was recovered and scoring was noted around 270 degrees of its internal casing. The attitude indicator was not found. Engine operation was verified through analysis of air traffic control tapes. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact anomalies.