Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated private pilot lost control of a twin engine airplane while attempting to divert to an airport with a lighted runway in dark night conditions with overcast skies and mist.
Pre-Flight Briefing
During a weather briefing 4 hours before departure, the pilot was informed that weather would deteriorate near midnight and that runway 12/30 was closed at the destination airport.
Arrival and Diversion
Upon arrival at the destination, the pilot made several attempts to activate runway lights for runway 20. The pilot then inquired and was informed by the controller that runway 20 did not have runway lights. The pilot requested a diversion to the closest airport with runway lights and at least a 3,500 foot runway. The controller provided a heading to an airport 18 miles away. This was the last transmission acknowledged by the pilot.
Accident Sequence
The airplane impacted terrain in a steep nose-down attitude. Examination of the airframe and engines did not reveal evidence of any structural or mechanical anomalies.