Accident Overview
An aircraft departed on an IFR clearance from Runway 16 in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The clearance instructed the pilot to climb on the runway heading to 800 feet, then turn right to a heading of 320 degrees. The aircraft crashed approximately half a mile south of the tower after takeoff.
Flight and Communications
After departure, tower personnel did not have visual contact with the aircraft. They twice asked the pilot if the aircraft was airborne. Following the second inquiry, the pilot acknowledged that he was airborne. The pilot was then instructed to change to the departure frequency, which he acknowledged. About 35 seconds later, an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was heard, prompting a search.
Witness Reports
Witnesses who heard the aircraft reported that after takeoff, the aircraft appeared to enter a circling maneuver at low altitude before crashing.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time of the accident included an indefinite ceiling of 100 feet obscuration, visibility of 1/2 mile with fog, and wind from 110 degrees at 10 knots.
Mechanical Findings
No preimpact mechanical problems were found with the aircraft.