What happened
Four minutes after departing on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight, the pilot notified departure air traffic control of an ongoing instrument malfunction and expressed a desire to remain under visual flight rules (VFR). While the pilot initially maintained a lower altitude to avoid clouds, he subsequently began climbing through several assigned altitudes, including 8,000, 11,000, and 13,000 feet. During the transition to center air traffic control, the pilot failed to disclose the specific nature or extent of the instrument issues.
As the flight progressed, the aircraft began an eastward turn toward an area of heavy precipitation. After the controller noted the concerning flight path and advised a westward turn, the pilot confirmed the presence of an instrument failure but provided no further communication. Radar data showed the aircraft climbed to 9,500 feet before undergoing a rapid descent through 7,500 feet and reaching ground level. Although the pilot briefly regained control and climbed to 1,500 feet, the aircraft likely stalled and crashed into the shallow waters of a wildlife refuge. The investigation noted that the pilot likely climbed back into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during the sequence, leading to a loss of situational awareness.
Findings
- The pilot chose to continue the flight into IMC despite the known instrument malfunction.
- Loss of situational awareness and subsequent loss of control were primary factors in the accident.
- The pilot did not inform the center controller regarding the specific instrument problems, which may have influenced the level of assistance provided.
- The aircraft's engines were under power at the time of impact, and all flight control surfaces were intact at the scene.
- The investigation could not identify which specific instruments failed or how the redundant systems were simultaneously affected.