Flight Planning and Departure
The pilot contacted a Flight Service Station, obtained a weather briefing, and filed an IFR flight plan. After receiving clearance for takeoff, the pilot was instructed to make a left turn after departure. Radar contact was established, and the pilot was directed to climb and maintain 6,000 feet and to proceed on course. The pilot acknowledged this transmission.
Communication and Deviation
Approximately three minutes later, the approach controller asked the pilot to verify that Wichita was the destination. The pilot responded with a transmission in which only the last portion, 'six nine papa,' was legible. The controller observed that the airplane was turning right, contrary to the earlier instruction to turn left. The controller attempted to contact the pilot regarding the deviation, but the transmission was not acknowledged. Subsequently, radar contact was lost.
Witness Observations and Impact
One witness reported seeing the airplane 'come out of the clouds heading straight down to a nose dive.' Another witness heard the engine 'wide open.' The airplane impacted the terrain approximately 1 1/4 miles northeast of the airport.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.