Flight History
The pilot of the aircraft was operating under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Air traffic control instructed the pilot to fly a specific heading until receiving a signal from a non-directional beacon (NDB), then proceed directly to the beacon. After the pilot reported receiving the beacon, the aircraft turned approximately 90 degrees to the right. This was followed by a 180-degree turn to the left. Upon completion of the second turn, the aircraft disappeared from radar. No distress calls were received from the pilot.
Wreckage and Impact
The ground impact point was located near the last radar contact. Evidence at the accident site indicated that the final descent was almost vertical. All flight control surfaces were accounted for at the scene, and propeller signatures indicated high engine power at the time of impact. The vacuum pump was found destroyed; however, internal examination revealed rotational scoring and smudging, suggesting the pump was operating before impact.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a total of 254 hours of flight time. Of that, 53 hours were logged as simulated instrument flight time, and only 0.4 hours were actual instrument flight time. The pilot's most recent simulated instrument flight experience occurred 4 months prior to the accident.