Flight and Pilot Background
The pilot, a 26-year-old instrument-rated commercial pilot, departed on a cross-country flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). He had accumulated a total of 456.7 flight hours, of which 35.8 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. His instrument experience included 2.5 hours of actual instrument time and 105.7 hours of simulated instrument time.
Radio Communications
During the flight, the pilot made several radio transmissions to ground control, tower, low radar approach control, and high radar approach control. He stated that he was "new at instruments" and that he had not flown in IMC "in a long time."
Loss of Control and Descent
While maneuvering to return to the centerline of the airway in an area of heavy precipitation, the pilot lost control of the airplane after experiencing spatial disorientation. Recorded radar data indicated stable flight parameters until approximately 1140:49, when the airplane began an unexpected right turn at a rate of 2 degrees per second. This rate of turn may not have been noticed by the pilot, as there were no radar calls to departure control. The right turn continued, and radar contact was lost at 1141:58, at which point the airplane was turning at approximately 5 degrees per second and descending at over 3,600 feet per minute. The wreckage and impact marks were consistent with a right bank, low-angle, high-speed descent. The descent profile was found to be consistent with a graveyard spiral.
Investigation Findings
Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time of the accident. Prior to the flight, telephone conversations with the Flight Service Station indicated a progression from a conservative attitude to a strong desire to fly home, consistent with the pilot phenomenon known as "get-home-itis." The reason for this change in mindset was not determined.