Accident Overview
A small airplane crashed approximately 8 miles east of the departure airport after the pilot, who was not instrument rated, took off on a dark night. Conditions at the time included fog and a low ceiling.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather reporting station reported 600 feet overcast skies with visibility of 6 miles and fog. Another pilot in the area estimated the ceiling to be between 800 and 1000 feet and visibility between 3 and 4 miles.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed that the left wing and stabilator had separated from the aircraft in flight.
Witness Report
A witness near the accident site reported hearing sounds that resembled a small airplane performing aerobatics. These sounds were followed by a "backfire" and then a thud.
Pilot Information
The pilot was not instrument rated and had taken off into night conditions with fog and low ceiling.