What happened
Following an approved Standard Instrument Departure, the aircraft began an unrestricted climb toward a target altitude of Flight Level 220. During the initial stage of the ascent, the aircraft maintained an average climbing rate of 1300 feet per minute, reaching Flight Level 130. Upon reaching this altitude, the performance changed as the climb rate decreased to 350 feet per minute through Flight Level 140. Shortly thereafter, the climb rate increased again to 1800 feet per minute.
At Flight Level 160, the aircraft transitioned into a near vertical descent. Radar tracking was lost approximately one minute after this maneuver began, at an altitude of 3100 feet. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground while maintaining a near vertical attitude. There was one fatality involving the pilot, who was the only person on board.
Findings
Investigators were unable to identify the specific reason for the loss of control that led to the crash. While the investigation noted that other incidents involving sudden loss of control have been reported in this aircraft type, a certification review conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal any findings relevant to this specific event.