Accident Overview
Radar data showed the airplane departing for a cross-country flight. It climbed to a cruise altitude of 9,700 feet MSL and maintained a northeasterly course of 050 degrees magnetic toward its destination. Approximately 11 minutes after takeoff, the airplane entered a descent at a rate of 1,000 feet per minute. It continued descending at this rate until impacting terrain at an elevation of 4,734 feet. The airplane was still on its original course at the time of impact. Ground scars at the initial impact point indicated the airplane was wings level in a slight nose-down pitch attitude.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or its engine. A post-impact fire destroyed all cockpit instrumentation, and no recorded or stored flight data could be recovered. Weather conditions at the time were clear with light winds.
Pilot Medical Information
An autopsy noted that the pilot had some moderate heart disease. His FAA medical records documented a history of stress and insomnia. Toxicology findings indicated the presence of a sedating over-the-counter medication (chlorpheniramine) that was taken at some undetermined time prior to the accident.
Probable Cause
The investigation could not conclusively determine whether the pilot’s medical conditions or medication use were related to the accident. The reason for the airplane’s descent to ground impact could not be determined. Nonetheless, the official probable cause is the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during descent for undetermined reasons.