Piper PA28R accident near Pleasant Plain, Ohio, March 19, 2020

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

The instrument-rated pilot was on the final segment of an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight in dark night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). After being cleared for an RNAV approach to his intended destination, the pilot made several course deviations inbound to the initial approach fix. The pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) that he was experiencing autopilot problems, "heavy turbulence," and "heavy downdrafts." Radar and automated dependent surveillance-broadcast data showed the airplane enter a rapidly descending left turn. ATC issued a low-altitude alert to the pilot and advised him to climb to 4,000 ft immediately. The pilot did not respond, and there were no further communications from the pilot. Radar contact was lost as the airplane descended through 1,400 ft. The airplane wreckage was found severely fragmented amidst a heavily wooded area. Examinations of the airframe, flight controls, and engine did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The airplane was flying in an area of a stationary frontal system, which resulted in an extensive area of IFR conditions, low ceilings, low visibilities, drizzle, and rain.  The weather in the accident area was conducive to low-level windshear and convective turbulence at the time of the accident. There was no record of the pilot obtaining a preflight weather briefing, and his flight plan did not list an alternate airport. The pilot’s report of heavy turbulence and downdrafts was consistent with the existing weather conditions. It is likely when the pilot encountered the turbulence and wind shear in dark night conditions, he became spatially disoriented and lost control of the airplane.

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.