Incident Overview
A pilot on a return flight from London, Ontario to Pontiac, Michigan experienced spatial disorientation during the earlier part of the evening. Air traffic control provided radar vectors to Detroit City Airport, which was the only airport in the area reporting visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The pilot landed at approximately 2208 local time.
Weather Briefings and Departure
After landing, the pilot obtained two weather briefings: the first at 2336 and the second at 0016. On both occasions, the briefer advised that flight under visual flight rules (VFR) was not recommended. Despite these advisories, the flight departed at 0033.
Witness Observations and Visibility
Witnesses observed an aircraft flying approximately 2 miles south of the accident site. At the time, visibility was reported to be about 200 feet on high ground and 500 feet in low-lying areas.