Incident Overview
During a night intercept training mission involving a Coast Guard airplane, the accident pilot reported that conditions were becoming hazy and informed the Coast Guard pilot that he would break off and turn north to gain separation for another intercept. The Coast Guard airplane accelerated, and its pilot requested that the accident pilot proceed north at a slower airspeed to facilitate separation. The accident pilot responded, "I'm IMC maintaining 180 degrees." The Coast Guard pilot then advised the accident pilot that they were well to the north and that there was no conflict. No further radio communications were received from the accident pilot.
Radar Data Analysis
Review of radar data revealed that the accident airplane continued southbound at an altitude of 1,600 feet. At 00:48:08, it made a slight left turn, followed by a turn back to the right. Subsequently, the airplane made another left turn and then back to the right. At 00:49:47, the airplane began a left turn and stabilized on a north heading at 1,500 feet. At 00:50:47, the airplane initiated a right turn. The last recorded radar hit occurred at 00:51:08, with the airplane at 1,500 feet.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly and accessories, vacuum pump, and flight instruments revealed no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction.
Pilot Experience
Review of the pilot's logbook showed that the pilot was awarded an instrument rating on December 23, 2000, and had flown only two flights totaling 0.8 hours since obtaining that rating.