Aircraft Entered Spiraling Descent During VFR Flight in Cloudy Conditions (N8324Z)

Flight Progression and Radar Data The aircraft departed and reached cruise at 7,200 feet above the cloud tops while receiving visual flight rules (VFR) flight following. The pilot reported observing holes in the cloud layer and began a descent. Radar data indicated a stable descent for five minutes. During the final seven minutes, the aircraft made multiple S patterns and its altitude fluctuated between 3,400 and 2,600 feet. Witnesses saw the aircraft move in and out of clouds before entering a spiraling descent and striking the ground. ## Weather and Pilot Qualifications Before the flight, the pilot received a weather briefing that included forecast conditions: scattered clouds from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, occasionally scattered to broken clouds from 8,000 to 10,000 feet, a 30% chance of thunderstorms and rain showers, and possible lingering pockets of instrument flight rules (IFR) weather. The nearest weather observation facility, 15 miles northwest of the accident site, reported broken cloud layers at 2,000, 2,800, and 3,500 feet and 10-mile visibility near the time of the accident. The pilot held a private pilot certificate and was not instrument rated or pursuing an instrument rating. ## Aircraft Examination Examination of the aircraft and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.