Accident Sequence
The aircraft was cruising at 5,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. Radar track data showed the flight proceeding toward its destination until radar contact and voice communications were lost. Communications had been routine, and the pilot had not reported any difficulties. Witnesses reported hearing an engine and observed one or two objects descending from the clouds. They alerted authorities, and the accident site was located that evening approximately one-quarter mile from the final radar data point.
Investigation Findings
A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies consistent with a preexisting failure or malfunction. The investigation concluded that no mechanical or structural issues contributed to the accident.
Pilot Background
The pilot's logbook indicated he had logged approximately 75 hours of instrument flight time, including 5.7 hours in actual instrument conditions. He completed an instrument proficiency check (IPC) about one month before the accident. In the six months preceding the flight, he had recorded 1.5 hours of simulated instrument time, three instrument approaches, and one holding procedure as part of the IPC. Additionally, he had 0.4 hours of actual instrument time separate from the IPC.
Weather Conditions
Weather data indicated that the flight was operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at the time of the accident. Conditions were consistent with in-flight icing and turbulence in the vicinity. IFR conditions prevailed near the accident site, with cloud tops reaching 10,000 feet MSL or higher. The freezing level was approximately 5,000 feet MSL, and a 70% probability of icing was forecast at that altitude.
Probable Cause
Due to the lack of physical evidence of a preimpact failure or malfunction, it is likely that the pilot lost control of the airplane while operating in difficult IMC that included icing and turbulence.