Flight and Communication
The airplane was cruising at 20,000 feet on an instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight when the pilot reversed course. Upon being queried by an air traffic controller, the pilot stated, “we have lost…we need to climb.” Asked about the issue, the pilot responded, “we have lost autopilot.” No further communications were received, and radar contact was lost shortly thereafter.
Witness Observation and Wreckage
A witness reported seeing the airplane on fire as it descended toward the ground. The wreckage was heavily fragmented and scattered across a wooded area, with a debris path spanning over 3 miles. The left wing, left engine, left propeller, and empennage were heavily burnt and located at the main wreckage site. The right wing had separated at the wing root and was found approximately 1/4 mile north of the main wreckage, showing fire damage; the right engine and right propeller were not located. The vertical and horizontal stabilizers were found about 3/4 mile north of the main wreckage.
Wreckage Examination
All fractures displayed overstress features consistent with an in-flight breakup. Mapping indicated that the tail components likely separated first, followed by the right wing. This structural failure resulted in the horizontal and vertical stabilizers deforming and then separating from the airplane. The lack of heat damage on these components suggested that separation occurred before the fire, and that the inflight fire observed by the witness was likely a result of the breakup. No evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have preceded the inflight breakup was found.
Occupants
Both occupants were killed.