Cessna Stationair/Turbo Stationair 6
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 226; Flight Crew Type 301
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Human Factors; Weather
I took off at approximately XA:10 on an IFR clearance. I established communication with Center shortly after takeoff; prior to [the VOR] and prior to entering IMC. At [the VOR] I was in IMC conditions and proceeded to enter the climbing departure hold as published. While entering the hold; the aircraft entered into a steep turn and began a descent in IMC. Control of the aircraft was regained the same time as the cloud bases were reached. I immediately made a radio call to Center stating that I intended to return to the airport. I did not hear a radio response from Center and made several more calls attempting two way communication. No response was heard. I was apparently too low to establish radio communication. Immediately upon landing; I called Lockheed Martin [FSS] to close my flight plan; confirming that I was on the ground. There are two issues that will be improved upon. First and foremost the temporary loss of control due to disorientation while entering the hold. This could have been alleviated with more careful planning of the hold on the ground and autopilot assistance in the air. Second; I received calls from the ATC Center operations manager after closing my flight plan stating that I violated my IFR clearance with my unauthorized descent. I was questioned as to why I did not [call] Center directly on the ground rather than the regular contact through FSS. Perhaps declaring an emergency even if there was no radio contact would have been useful for ATC Center. Maybe someone could have relayed the declaration. These are inquiries I received from the operations manager who interviewed me.
The pilot of Cessna 206 experienced a loss of control and loss of altitude in Instrument Conditions. After recovering; he was unable to advise ATC; possibly due to his low altitude. He returned to the airport of origin and cancelled his flight plan; but did not advise ATC directly. He was interviewed by the ATC Operations Manager on the event.