Fatal Terrain Impact and Post-Impact Fire Involving a Private Pilot (N55448)

Accident Overview and Casualties The aircraft, operated by an instrument-rated private pilot, was destroyed upon impact with terrain and a post-impact fire. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. ## Flight Progression and Weather The pilot established radio communications with an air traffic controller at an Air Route Traffic Control Center's radar position at approximately 2027. The controller provided the current altimeter setting. The controller observed the flight enter an area of weather. At approximately 2036, the controller advised the pilot that radar contact was lost. The pilot did not respond, and no further radio communications were established. A witness, who was a commercial pilot, stated that the aircraft spun out of clouds, began recovery, hit the ground, and was immediately followed by a burst of flame. ## Radar and Weather Data The flight's National Track Analysis Program radar data was plotted on Doppler weather radar base reflectivity depictions. The plotted data showed the airplane entered an area of weather consistent with level three to level four thunderstorm activity. Surface weather observations indicated that VFR weather was present. ## On-Scene Examination An on-scene examination was performed. A gyro and its housing from a flight instrument were examined, revealing rotational scoring. The turn coordinator was found destroyed, and its face showed the airplane in a right bank turn. A section of the right wingtip was found near a ground scar, and the navigation light on that wingtip contained a green media. The left wing was found detached from the fuselage. Control cables were traced, and all breaks in the control cables were consistent with overload. No airframe or engine pre-impact anomalies were detected.