Background
The pilot had not flown actively for approximately one year prior to the accident. However, shortly before the accident, he told friends that he missed flying and intended to resume. He received a checkout in a Cessna 177RG on December 12, 1982, in anticipation of flying again. This was the last recorded flight activity for the pilot.
Flight
On April 13, 1983, at approximately 1815 Central Standard Time, the pilot arrived at the airport and told several people he was going for a refresher/pleasure flight. He took off at 1840, which was 21 minutes after official sunset. About 15 minutes into the flight, when the pilot terminated radar service, he reported that he had a severe case of vertigo and indicated he would return to the departure airport. Shortly thereafter, he stated he might need medical attention. He then reported that he was experiencing "blind spots" and a "fast heartbeat," and that he might not be able to make it back to the airport.
Accident
Subsequently, the aircraft crashed into the middle of a row of concrete silos at night. No preimpact mechanical failure was evident. According to reports, the pilot had recently experienced fainting spells and had a history of depression.