Accident Overview
The accident occurred at 2003 local time shortly after takeoff on a return trip to fly employees of a marketing company back home. The pilot had departed his home airport at 0502, landed at another airport to pick up the employees, and was returning when the accident happened. Shortly before departure, a fourth passenger was added after his commercial flight was canceled.
Flight Sequence
Before takeoff, the pilot received an IFR clearance but misread it back to the controller and was corrected. Radar data showed the pilot initially flew the assigned south-southwest heading before the airplane turned right to a westerly heading. The controller queried the pilot and issued a heading to intercept the VOR. The pilot corrected the heading, but shortly thereafter the airplane again turned right toward the west. The airplane continued to climb throughout these heading changes. Radar data then showed the airplane began a left turn, during which it entered a spiraling rapid descent. Weather data indicated the airplane was in instrument meteorological conditions at that time. The airplane impacted the terrain in an open cornfield.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
A person who worked for the fixed base operator at the departure airport stated the pilot looked tired or just ready to go home. Weight and balance calculations indicated the airplane was at least 383 pounds over gross weight. Postaccident inspection of the airplane and engines did not reveal any preexisting failure or malfunction.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved a pilot who misread his IFR clearance, deviated from assigned headings, and experienced a spiraling descent while in instrument conditions. The aircraft was significantly overweight. No preexisting mechanical issues were found.