Flight and Loss of Contact
The airplane was 90 minutes into the flight, level at 10,000 feet mean sea level on a southwest heading, when air traffic control (ATC) lost radio and radar contact. Following the loss of contact, ATC observed only primary radar targets continuing in a northerly direction, then shifting to a northeasterly direction.
Wreckage Location and Distribution
The cockpit, right wing, and engine were found impaled on a tree near the point where radar contact was lost. The left wing and left engine were located within 200 feet east of the right wing. Additional debris was scattered northeast of the main wreckage for approximately 10,500 feet.
Examination Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fiberglass nose assembly had failed due to an undetermined reason. Airworthiness directives applicable to the forward baggage compartment door had been complied with.