Flight Details
The pilot reported encountering instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude of approximately 400 feet above ground level during the initial climb after takeoff. He decided to continue the climb and "fly out of it," reaching clear conditions at 4,500 feet MSL. Subsequently, he opted to return to the departure airport and stated that he could see the airport intermittently through broken clouds. While on approach for landing, the aircraft was in and out of instrument conditions. During the landing flare, the aircraft deviated from the runway centerline due to wind, so the pilot elected to abort the landing and go around. He applied full power, but after retracting the flaps, the aircraft impacted the terrain adjacent to the runway.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported the accident occurring at 0830, but law enforcement officials stated it happened at 0300. The pilot described the weather at the airport as a 400-foot ceiling and 5 miles visibility with fog. At Midway Airport, located 18 nautical miles to the northwest, the reported weather included a 20,000-foot overcast ceiling, 6 miles visibility with haze, and wind from 190 degrees at 10 knots.
Toxicology and Pilot Information
Blood samples obtained from the pilot at a hospital at 0950 indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent. Using a standard alcohol metabolism rate of 0.015 percent per hour, the estimated blood alcohol level at 0300 would have been approximately 0.14 percent. There was no evidence of alcohol consumption following the accident. Analysis of the pilot's urine showed the presence of marijuana metabolites, but no such metabolites were found in his blood. Additionally, the pilot had not conducted any night flights in the 90 days preceding the accident.