Accident Summary
A non-certified pilot and a passenger departed from an airport at night. The pilot had only 8.3 hours of total flight time and had received no training for night flying. Weather conditions at the time included an overcast ceiling of 300 feet, visibility of 3 miles, and fog. After takeoff, the pilot radioed a distress call to the local approach control facility. The approach controller attempted to vector the aircraft to a safe landing. Approximately 12 minutes later, the controller lost radio and radar contact with the aircraft. The aircraft was subsequently found crashed in an open field.
Pilot and Flight Details
The pilot was not certified and had accumulated only 8.3 hours of flight time. He had no training for night operations. A passenger was also on board. Toxicology testing of the pilot's blood revealed an alcohol level of 230 mg/dL, equivalent to 0.230% blood alcohol concentration.
Weather Conditions and Departure
The departure occurred at night under an overcast sky with a ceiling of 300 feet. Visibility was 3 miles in fog. The specific time of night was not reported.
Distress Call and Loss of Contact
After departure, the pilot made a distress call to the approach control facility. The controller tried to provide vectors to guide the aircraft to a safe landing. However, about 12 minutes into the flight, radio and radar contact were lost.
Crash and Investigation Findings
The aircraft crashed in an open field. Evidence indicated that the aircraft was in a steep descent at the time of impact. The propeller was twisted and bent, with chordwise scratches observed.