Departure and Conditions
The flight departed under instrument meteorological conditions. Visibility was restricted to one-quarter mile by fog, and the ceiling was obscured. The aircraft was parked approximately two minutes of taxi time from Runway 25 before takeoff.
Witness Accounts
After departure, witnesses heard the aircraft make what appeared to be a left turn. Subsequently, they heard the engine sound increase, followed by a loud thud. No eyewitnesses to the actual impact were located.
Accident Location
The aircraft was found where it had impacted an embankment next to a road on relatively level terrain, approximately one-eighth mile from the departure end of Runway 25.
Communications
Investigation revealed that the pilot had telephoned the Sacramento Flight Service Station (FSS). At 0771, the pilot obtained an IFR clearance with a void time of 0730. There were no further communications between the pilot and the FSS.
Instrument Considerations
According to the FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (AC 61-27B), five minutes is needed for gyro instruments to become operational. However, the actual time allowed by the pilot for the instruments to become operational is not known.