Departure and Witness Observations
At approximately 1010, the pilot departed from runway 16, executed a left turn, and crossed the airport heading north. A witness who had driven the pilot to the airport stated he watched the aircraft until it was obscured by clouds as it climbed. Another witness, located about half a mile east of the approach end of runway 16, reported seeing the aircraft flying north before it was obscured by a nearby building. He then heard the engine rev up, followed by a crash. The witness reported that the sky was overcast and ground visibility was about one mile.
Weather Information
During a telephone weather briefing at 0910 from the St. Louis Flight Service Station, the pilot mentioned that there was ground fog in the Salem area. The weather at Vichy, Missouri, located 34 nautical miles northwest of Salem, at 0958 reported visibility of 2 miles in fog and haze.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left outer wing had separated at the inboard edge of the aileron. The empennage showed evidence of left wing impact forward of the vertical stabilizer. The spars and wing skin displayed evidence of overload failure.
No additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source.