Accident Details
A private pilot, who was not instrument rated, departed on a night flight when weather was reported as ceiling 300 feet and visibility 2 miles in fog and drizzle. Shortly after departure, the aircraft impacted terrain in a 60-degree nose-down attitude. The pilot had told a friend that after departure he would acquire and then follow the lights along a nearby interstate highway to his destination. The friend, who witnessed the departure, stated that shortly after lift-off he lost sight of the aircraft's rotating beacon due to the low visibility.
Pilot Background
The pilot had a reputation for flying in marginal or worse weather conditions and had been cited for a violation on one previous occasion for the same behavior.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction was revealed.