What happened
During a night intercept training mission, the pilot of the accident aircraft communicated to a Coast Guard pilot that haze was increasing. The pilot stated an intention to break off the maneuver and turn north to establish separation for a subsequent intercept. In response, 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 replied, "I'm IMC maintaining 180 degrees." The Coast Guard pilot then informed the accident pilot that they were already well to the north and that no conflict existed. No further radio communication was recorded from the accident pilot.
Radar data analysis showed the aircraft initially continued southbound at 1,600 feet. At 00:48:08, the aircraft performed a slight left turn followed by a right turn. The aircraft then executed another sequence of a left turn and a right turn. At 00:49:47, the aircraft began a left turn and leveled off on a north heading at 1,500 feet. At 00:50:47, the aircraft began a right turn. The final radar hit was recorded at 00:51:08 at an altitude of 1,500 feet.
The investigation
An examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly and accessories, vacuum pump, and flight instruments showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the crash.
A review of the pilot's logbook indicated that the pilot had received an instrument rating on December 23, 2000, but had only completed two flights totaling 0.8 hours since obtaining that rating.