Accident Details
The pilot was on a flight from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Laredo, Texas. While en route, he air-filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan, received an IFR clearance near Temple, Texas, and reported level at 6000 feet MSL. Later, a faint 'MAYDAY' call was heard by a Southwest Airlines pilot, who reported it to Austin Approach Control. Approach control subsequently lost radar contact and communication with the airplane.
Discovery
At about 0830 the next morning, the airplane was found approximately 5 miles south of Georgetown, Texas, where it had impacted the terrain in a vertical descent.
Investigation
Examination of the propellers revealed neither twisting, tip damage, nor rotational scarring. An examination of the engines did not disclose any anomalies that could account for a loss of power. A medical officer for Travis County reported that, in his opinion, the pilot may have suffered a heart attack.