What happened
The aircraft had been flown earlier in the day for a sales demonstration. During the return flight, when the landing gear were lowered, the pilot thought he heard a noise emitting from the gear, although cockpit indications were normal. The aircraft landed at JohnnyCake Airport and was refueled for a flight to Bradley Field where it is hangared. The pilot stated he intended to make the 22 mi flight with the gear down as a precaution. He also stated his intention to fly below the overcast because of delays of up to 45 min in obtaining IFR clearances. Moments after takeoff the aircraft collided with trees east of the airport. About 1 mi east of the airport is a north-south ridge. Another pilot, who departed 15-20 mins earlier, reported entering the overcast between 400 & 700 ft AGL. Ground witnesses 1 mi SE of the airport who heard the crash described the weather as heavy fog & mist. One witness estimated the ceiling as 100 ft AGL.