Flight Planning
Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing for an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight. The briefing indicated that weather conditions were being influenced by a stationary hurricane over the Atlantic Ocean. Three AIRMETs were issued, with forecasts of rain, drizzle, fog, moderate isolated severe turbulence below 15,000 feet, and icing above 12,000 feet along the intended route of flight.
No weather station was located at the destination airport. At the time of the briefing, weather at Hyannis (a nearby station) was reported as: 3,300 feet overcast, visibility 7 miles with occasional light drizzle, wind 110 degrees at 12 knots.
Approach and Diversion
During the arrival phase, the pilot experienced deteriorating weather while executing a non-directional beacon (NDB) approach. The pilot decided to divert to an alternate airport and initiated a missed approach procedure.
Accident Sequence
The airplane climbed 800 feet in 12 seconds, reaching an altitude of 1,600 feet MSL. Immediately thereafter, radar and radio contact with the aircraft were lost. The airplane subsequently crashed in a wooded area while in a steep descent. An examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure.
Weather Conditions
At 2045 EST, the weather at Hyannis was reported as: 100 feet obscured, visibility 1-1/4 miles with light rain and fog, temperature 60°F, dew point 58°F, wind 140 degrees at 12 knots.