Communications and Radar
The pilot of the accident airplane contacted Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) requesting a pop-up IFR clearance. ARTCC subsequently cleared the airplane for the VOR DME runway 23 approach, which the pilot acknowledged. No further communications were received from the pilot. According to ARTCC radar data, the airplane's last recorded position was 1 3/4 miles west of the airport at an altitude of 7,700 feet mean sea level. The IFR flight plan was not closed, and no further communications were established with the pilot.
Search and Discovery
At approximately 2120, ARTCC contacted the airport to initiate a search for the airplane. At 2340, airport personnel located the airplane approximately 150 yards northeast of runway 23.
Weather
The Evanston Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) taken at 2053 reported: winds from 200 degrees at 5 knots; visibility 1 statute mile with light snow and mist; sky condition scattered at 200 feet above ground level, overcast at 600 feet above ground level; temperature 0 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 0 degrees Celsius; altimeter 29.96 inches of mercury. Weather radar indicated an area of freezing precipitation in the Evanston area at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.