Bonanza 36
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 32; Flight Crew Total 6032; Flight Crew Type 528
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Aircraft; Human Factors
On my initial climb out I set my autopilot to heading mode and altitude at 3000'. I turned heading to 130 to intercept the [on-course] radial and continued to climb. I was instructed by ATC to continue my climb to 6000'. As I was talking to ATC and setting up altitude changes my autopilot must have disconnected. As I looked back I saw that I had entered an unusual attitude and began a recovery sequence. I recovered the loss of control of the aircraft but had lost significant altitude and my heading was stabilized in somewhat of a westerly direction. I was given further instructions by [ATC] with a vector to intercept the airway. The remainder of my flight to destination was uneventful.I can only add that I am so thankful to the many instructors who schooled me on upset recovery procedures. This was indeed a very sobering experience and has given me a new perspective on IFR flights. Number one lesson learned is to not trust the autopilot without constant monitoring of the flight instruments. Number two; although a successful outcome; I believe I could have controlled loss of altitude better. I practice upset recovery with my instrument students teaching them proper procedures as a CFII but that should not be a substitute for my own personal practice which I will now incorporate in my practice sessions.
Beechcraft A36 pilot reported recovering from an unusual attitude after the autopilot disconnected without his knowledge.