What happened
During a night positioning flight, an aircraft was cruising at 6,000 feet under an IFR flight plan. At approximately 0207 EST, the pilot performed a routine radio check and frequency change, responding normally to communications. However, during the final 15 minutes of the flight, no further radio transmissions were recorded on the assigned frequency.
Radar tracking indicated that roughly 16 minutes after the last successful communication, the aircraft initiated a right turn. At approximately 0222 EST, the plane disappeared from radar after completing a turn of about 255 degrees. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a steep, nose-down descent. Investigation of the wreckage showed debris embedded as deep as 6 feet below the surface.
Findings
Post-accident analysis found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the impact. Physical examination of the propeller blades revealed rotational scoring, leading-edge impact damage, and S-shaped curves or forward bending.
Regarding the pilot's recent activity, records indicated the pilot had completed over 120 flight hours in the previous 30 days, 110 of which occurred at night. Additionally, investigators identified evidence suggesting the pilot may have suffered from inadequate crew rest during the days leading up to the accident.