Accident
Before dawn, witnesses who were preflighting another aircraft observed N732QP taxiing to Runway 4. They heard an engine run-up but were unable to see the aircraft take off due to heavy fog that had just moved over the airport. The witnesses decided to cancel their flight because of the deteriorating weather conditions. Shortly after N732QP took off, the witnesses heard the engine sound change to a high-pitched scream. This was followed by a thump, then silence.
Search and Discovery
After the accident, visibility continued to deteriorate, hampering a search for the aircraft. As soon as dawn arrived, the aircraft was found where it had crashed on airport property.
Investigation
No preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction of the aircraft was found. The pilot was not instrument rated. He had received 2.8 hours of dual instrument training in the fall of 1981, but no record of subsequent instrument flight training was found.
Weather
One witness reported that at 0630, the weather had deteriorated to 200 feet obscured, with 1/8 mile visibility due to fog.