Accident Overview
A multiengine instructional flight experienced an in-flight loss of control resulting in a collision with terrain in a spin. The aircraft departed for the west practice area. Radar data indicated that the crew climbed to an altitude of 6,000 feet but did not maintain that level. The altitude varied, climbing and descending about 500 feet for several minutes.
Flight Path and Last Moments
Approximately 20 miles west-northwest of the airport, the aircraft began a figure-eight pattern on radar tracks. Subsequently, it entered a descending 360-degree turn before the final radar contact. The last radar return was recorded at a mode C transponder altitude of 3,900 feet, located just abeam the main wreckage area. The preceding target was 18 seconds earlier at a mode C altitude of 5,200 feet.
Witness Observation
A witness observed the airplane spinning as it descended toward the ground in a nose-low attitude.
Wreckage and Systems Examination
Investigators established control continuity and noted no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airframe or either engine.