Accident Overview
According to radar data, the airplane, which had been acquired earlier that day by the pilot, descended slowly from level flight at 1,200 feet above mean sea level (MSL) to 800 feet MSL before it disappeared from radar. Wreckage was located in the immediate vicinity of the last radar target. The crash occurred in dark night conditions on rising terrain.
Witness Reports
Witnesses reported a loss of electrical power in their homes, followed by the sound of an increase in engine power from the airplane immediately before final impact.
Navigation and Communications
The airplane's heading was direct toward an airport with an operating control tower. An attempt had been made to initiate radio contact. The airplane's equipment list noted navigational equipment sufficient for a non-precision instrument approach.
Weather and Mechanical Status
Weather at nearby reporting stations was marginal for visual flight rules (VFR) flight operations. No pre-crash mechanical deficiencies were noted during the investigation.