What happened
A 26-year-old instrument-rated commercial pilot was conducting a cross-country flight through instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). During the flight, the pilot communicated with various controllers, including ground control, tower, low radar approach control, and high radar and approach control. In these transmissions, the pilot indicated he was new to instrument flight and had not flown in IMC for a significant period.
While maneuvering to return to the airway centerline in an area of heavy precipitation, the pilot lost control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. Radar data showed stable flight parameters until approximately 11:40:49, when the aircraft began an unexpected right turn at a rate of 2 degrees per second. This turn may have gone unnoticed by the pilot, as no further radio calls were made to departure control. The right turn continued until radar contact was lost at 11:41:58. At the time of signal loss, the aircraft was turning at approximately 5 degrees per second and descending at a rate exceeding 3,600 feet per minute.
The investigation
The investigation examined wreckage and impact information, which was consistent with a right bank, low-angle, high-speed descent. Analysis of the descent profile indicated it was consistent with a "graveyard spiral." Additionally, investigators noted that prior to the flight, telephone conversations with the Flight Service Station shifted from a conservative approach to a strong desire to fly home, a behavior consistent with "get-home-itis."
Findings
- The pilot had accumulated 456.7 total flight hours, with only 35.8 hours in the same make and model.
- The pilot's experience included only 2.5 hours of actual instrument time, though he had 105.7 hours of simulated instrument time.
- Instrument meteorological conditions and heavy precipitation were present at the time of the accident.