Background
The pilot had flown 1 hour and 35 minutes in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without incident. Upon arrival, the pilot received a vector to intercept the localizer and was cleared for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 33.
Events Leading to the Accident
Approximately one minute after being cleared for the approach, the pilot reported to the tower that they were "on the approach" and was cleared to land. Radar data indicated that the airplane intercepted the localizer path, but then continued a left turn to a southwesterly direction. The airplane descended through 3,000 feet, after which radar contact was lost.
A witness located about 1/4 mile from the accident site reported hearing and seeing the airplane pulling straight up, and observed the right wing separate from the aircraft.
Wreckage and Examination
Wreckage was located approximately 7 miles southeast of the airport in a wooded area, scattered over a distance of 200 feet. The right flap panel was suspended in a tree at a height of 75 feet at the accident site. The right wing was found 102 feet southwest of the main wreckage, and the left wing was 93 feet southwest. Inspection of the wing roots revealed that the right and left wing spars were fractured at a 45-degree angle from the top to the lower spar caps.
Weather and Attitude Indicator Examination
At a location about 1/4 mile from the accident site, the weather was reported as 500-foot overcast ceiling with 4 miles visibility in rain showers.
The attitude indicator was examined at the NTSB Lab. The NTSB report stated that visual examination of the case disclosed no evidence of rotation damage.