Flight Details
The pilot/owner filed an instrument flight plan and listed himself as pilot-in-command (PIC). He departed on an instrument proficiency flight carrying two passengers, both certified flight instructors (CFIs). The airplane was vectored for an LDA Runway 6 Approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Radio communications were normal throughout. Radar observed the airplane turning away from the final approach course. No further communications were received, and the airplane descended below radar coverage.
Witness Observations
A ground witness observed the airplane exit and then reenter the clouds. The witness then heard a reduction in engine power. The airplane descended from the base of the clouds in a nose-down vertical descent, with its wings intact. Engine noise was heard to increase, followed by a 'swoosh' and a bang.
Pilot and Passenger Background
The PIC was 70 years old. He had not scheduled the flight with the employer of the CFIs, nor was he listed on their schedule. The front-seat passenger, a 22-year-old CFI-rated individual, had been a full-time college student until the previous month. His total flight experience was 340 hours, of which 24 hours were as a CFI. He had no experience in the make and model of the airplane or with the PIC.