Bonanza 36
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 31; Flight Crew Total 1018; Flight Crew Type 260
Confusion; Workload; Troubleshooting; Distraction; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Weather; Aircraft
I was on an IFR flight at 5;000 feet. ATC amended my route with several direct legs between NAVAID followed by radar vectors to my destination; and I was following the new route. The flight was routine other than weather making it very windy and turbulent. ATC cleared me to 4;000 feet and said to expect a visual for Runway 8. I went to 4;000 feet and continued on my amended route. Approximately 5 minutes later I was in heavy IMC when my autopilot malfunctioned. I tried to reset the breaker and cycle the autopilot to no avail. Due to the high winds; when the autopilot disconnected the plane turned off course and started to dive. Once I regained control I asked ATC for a lower altitude as I was approaching my destination. ATC did not respond and after multiple attempts I switched to Comm 2 and reached ATC. ATC said they had been trying to reach me for some time. They vectored me for the ILS 8 approach which I followed and landed safely. Upon landing I was asked to call Center. They notified me that I had lost communication with Center for 11 minutes. I explained my situation and they filed a report. On Saturday; I flew my plane directly to an Avionics shop where I am going to have the autopilot and radios checked out.
A BE36 autopilot and COM1 malfunctioned in flight where the pilot momentarily lost control in weather; near his destination; but was able to contact ATC on COMM2 and fly an ILS.