Accident Sequence
The accident occurred at 2003 local time shortly after takeoff on the return leg of a business trip. The pilot had departed his home airport at 0502 that day, flown to another airport to pick up employees of a marketing company, and transported them to an out-of-state meeting. On the return flight to bring the employees home, a fourth passenger was added just before departure after his commercial flight was cancelled.
Prelude to Departure
Before departure, a worker at the fixed base operator noted that the pilot appeared tired or eager to return home. The pilot received an IFR clearance prior to takeoff but misread it back to the controller, who corrected him.
Flight and Loss of Control
Radar data showed that after takeoff, the pilot initially flew the assigned south-southwest heading. The airplane then turned right to a westerly heading. The controller queried the pilot and issued a heading to intercept a VOR. The pilot corrected the heading, but shortly after, the airplane again turned right toward the west. Throughout these heading changes, the airplane continued to climb. Radar data then indicated a left turn, during which the airplane entered a spiraling rapid descent.
Weather and Weight
At the time of the loss of control, the airplane was in instrument meteorological conditions. Post-accident weight and balance calculations showed the airplane was at least 383 pounds over its maximum gross weight.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane impacted terrain in an open cornfield. A post-accident inspection of the airplane and its engines revealed no preexisting failures or malfunctions.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is that the pilot became spatially disoriented and as a result failed to maintain control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the instrument meteorological conditions aloft and the pilot being fatigued.