What happened
During an instrument flight rules (IFR) departure, the aircraft entered a layer of low overcast clouds. While climbing toward a target altitude of 5,000 feet MSL, the pilot communicated with departure control, reporting that the plane was passing through 2,200 feet. Shortly after this transmission, the aircraft disappeared from radar tracking and radio communication ceased. The plane subsequently struck the ground in a steep descent.
Findings
An investigation into the wreckage revealed that the aircraft sustained extensive damage upon impact with the ground. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or the failure of any components prior to the crash. Records from the pilot's logbook showed that the pilot had completed three instrument approaches on March 3, 1994, and had accumulated 3.1 hours of flight time in actual instrument meteorological conditions since that date.