Incident Overview
An instrument-rated private pilot initiated an IFR flight plan for a night departure from an uncontrolled airport. At about 0445 EST, the pilot obtained a clearance to take off with a void time of 0500 EST. The airport manager, whose residence was approximately 150 feet from the runway, was awakened by the sound of the aircraft starting and taxiing. He noted that the runway lights were on but were obscured by dense fog.
Search and Discovery
When the void time passed and the pilot had not contacted air traffic control, ATC personnel contacted the airport manager. The manager checked the hangar area and found that the aircraft had departed. A search was initiated but was hampered by the dense fog. Subsequently, the aircraft was located where it had crashed about 700 feet southwest from the departure end of runway 27.
Impact Details
Initial impact occurred with a 40-foot tree while the aircraft was on a heading of 258 degrees. After traveling about 200 feet, it struck another tree approximately 26 feet above the ground, then crashed to the ground. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft.