Incident Details
During a return flight following a sales demonstration, the pilot reported hearing a noise from the landing gear when it was lowered. Cockpit indications were normal. The aircraft landed at Johnnycake Airport and was refueled for a flight to Bradley Field, where it is hangared.
Prelude to Accident
The pilot stated an intention to keep the landing gear down as a precaution for the 22-mile flight. He also planned to fly below the overcast because of delays of up to 45 minutes in obtaining IFR clearances. Moments after takeoff, the aircraft collided with trees east of the airport. A north-south ridge lies about one mile east of the airport.
Weather Observations
Another pilot, who departed 15–20 minutes earlier, reported entering the overcast between 400 and 700 feet above ground level (AGL). Ground witnesses one mile southeast of the airport, who heard the crash, described the weather as heavy fog and mist. One witness estimated the ceiling at 100 feet AGL.