Flight Details
The pilot obtained a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan for a night flight from Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Pueblo, Colorado. Shortly after takeoff, about one minute into the flight, the pilot informed air traffic control that he needed to return to Hot Springs. He then contacted the operator and reported that the cabin heater was not functioning. The operator advised returning for repairs. The pilot was then heard to say "Oh, shoot!" No further radio communications were received.
Wreckage Examination
The aircraft struck trees, creating a 400-foot swath. The wreckage path extended 940 feet. Investigators examined the wreckage and found no preimpact mechanical failures, except for the previously mentioned heater issue.