Aircraft Accident Involving an Instrument-Rated Pilot (N75GC)

Flight Operations and Radar Data The instrument-rated pilot received three weather briefings from the Miami Automated Flight Service Station on the day of the accident. While airborne, the pilot obtained IFR clearance and was instructed to climb to 9,000 feet MSL, later descend and maintain 2,000 feet, and fly heading 030 degrees. Radar data showed the aircraft made a right descending turn to a southeasterly heading, then a left turn to an easterly heading before being lost from radar at 2,200 feet MSL. The crash site was located 138 degrees and 0.38 nautical mile from the last radar target. Between 1631:04 and 1631:16, the aircraft descended from 7,600 to 6,100 feet. From 1631:16 to the last radar target at 1631:28, it descended 3,900 feet. ## Weather and Wreckage Findings Weather radar data indicated the aircraft encountered VIP Level 2, or moderate intensity, echoes in the area of the in-flight loss of control. Maximum echoes of VIP Level 5 to 6, or intense to extreme intensity, were noted approximately 10 to 20 miles east-northeast through southeast of the accident site, with the strongest reflectivities 20 miles east. Disintegration of the aircraft was observed, with no evidence of in-flight or post-crash fire in recovered components. The full span of the left wing, left aileron, left horizontal stabilizer, and left elevator were accounted for. A section of the right wing and right outboard flap was identified, and the right wing was fragmented. Examination of the engine and propellers revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. No determination was made whether the pilot met the instrument recency of experience requirement of 14 CFR Part 61.57(c).