What happened
While operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at an altitude of 10,000 feet MSL, the aircraft was observed by air traffic control performing an abrupt right-hand turn followed by a steep descent. Following this maneuver, the controller attempted to establish communication with the aircraft, but all attempts to contact the pilot were unsuccessful.
Upon investigation of the crash site, investigators found that the primary components of the aircraft remained intact at the scene. However, the severity of the impact damage made it impossible to perform a continuity check on the flight control systems. The engines were not recovered from the impact crater, and the rugged nature of the accident site prevented the use of specialized recovery equipment.
Findings
An examination of the wreckage confirmed that the aircraft was flying in IMC at the time of the deviation. The investigation noted that the impact damage prevented a definitive assessment of the flight control linkages. The flight resulted in one fatality, involving the pilot who was the only person on board.