What happened
On the date of the accident, a recently instrument-rated pilot departed on an instrument flight under instrument meteorological conditions characterized by low ceilings and turbulence. Radar data indicated that while the aircraft reached its assigned altitude, it failed to maintain the assigned heading. The radar track showed the aircraft performing two wide, constant-rate, 360-degree turns to the right.
Air traffic controllers issued heading reassignments on two separate occasions, both of which were acknowledged by the pilot. Approximately eight minutes after takeoff, the pilot reported that the aircraft was in a spin. Seconds later, the aircraft impacted terrain in a steep, nose-down attitude less than two miles from the airport. The wreckage was located in a wooded area, scattered along a path measuring 200 feet long by 80 feet wide.
The investigation
Investigators found fuel present at the accident site. An examination of the recovered components revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction regarding the engine, airframe, or instruments.