What happened
According to radar data, the airplane had been acquired by the pilot earlier on the day of the accident. While in level flight at 1200 feet MSL, the aircraft began a slow descent to 800 feet MSL before it disappeared from radar tracking. The crash occurred during dark night conditions on rising terrain. At the time of the event, the aircraft was heading directly toward an airport equipped with an operating control tower, and an attempt had been made to establish radio contact.
Witnesses in the area reported a loss of electrical power in their homes. This was immediately followed by the sound of an increase in engine power coming from the airplane just before the final impact. The wreckage was located in the immediate vicinity of the aircraft's last known radar target.
The investigation
The investigation reviewed the aircraft's equipment list, which indicated that the plane possessed navigational equipment sufficient for conducting a non-precision instrument approach. During the investigation, no pre-crash mechanical deficiencies were identified.