What happened
On December 16, 2012, a Piper PA-28-160, registration N5714W, crashed in a wooded area near Parkton, North Carolina. The flight was an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Summerville Airport in South Carolina to Fayetteville Regional Airport.
At approximately 14:51 EST, the pilot established contact with Fayetteville Air Traffic Control (ATC) and was cleared for an ILS approach to runway 4. During the approach, the pilot reported to the radar controller that he was having difficulty and stated, "I seem to have $\text{have}$ lost some gyros." Radar data showed the aircraft performing S-type turns while remaining right of the final approach course.
By 15:18 EST, the pilot informed the controller that he had "no gyro" and expressed his intention to climb and divert to his alternate airport, Columbus County Airport. Despite the pilot's statement that he was "not okay," the controller continued to vector the aircraft for an approach to Fayetteville. While flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the aircraft experienced significant altitude and heading deviations. At approximately 15:31 EST, the pilot's communications ceased, and a loud squeal was heard on the frequency. The aircraft crashed in a heavily wooded area, resulting in 1 fatality.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the airframe was extensively fragmented and heat-damaged. The engine-driven vacuum pump, which powers the attitude indicator and directional gyro, was examined. The investigation revealed the vacuum pump was not operating at the moment of impact. The unit's rotor was found to be cracked, and a piece of a chipped vane was lodged in the outlet port. The vacuum pump was approximately three years and four months beyond its suggested replacement interval.
Review of the pilot's records showed that he had previously failed instrument rating tests related to partial panel operations and emergency procedures. ATC communications were also reviewed, revealing that while the pilot indicated an emergency situation, the controller did not request the information required by FAA regulations to assist a pilot in distress.