The airplane was destroyed during an in-flight collision with terrain at about 1852 Central time. Night visual conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight. The private pilot was fatally injured. Radar data recorded by ATC appeared to depict the accident airplane. At 1839, the airplane was at 3300 feet msl. At about 1851:55, the airplane appeared to enter a left turn from 3400 feet msl. About five seconds later, the airplanes altitude was 3100 feet.
