Accident Details
The pilot of the accident aircraft was not instrument rated and had received a weather briefing for a visual flight rules (VFR) flight. According to the briefing, both the departure point and destination were VFR, while en route conditions were marginal VFR. The flight departed as planned, and no further radio contact was made with the aircraft.
Witness Observations
Approximately one hour and 25 minutes after departure, witnesses observed the aircraft flying in and out of a 200-foot overcast. Shortly thereafter, other witnesses heard the aircraft flying across a marsh with its engines operating normally. The engine noise then ceased abruptly, and the witnesses turned to see a cloud of mud and water, indicating the impact.
Crash Site and Recovery
Examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft had impacted at high speed in an attitude with a right bank of approximately 60 degrees and a nose-down angle of 20 to 30 degrees. Pieces of all aircraft components necessary for flight were found at the site. However, some portions of the aircraft structure, as well as both engines and propellers, were not recovered from the muddy terrain. The pilot had last logged simulated instrument time 15 months prior to the accident.