Departure and Equipment Deficiencies
The pilot departed under visual flight rules (VFR) at night, despite known deficiencies in the aircraft's equipment. Specifically, the landing lights and instrument panel lights were inoperative at the time of departure.
Environmental Conditions
Witnesses at the departure location described a broken sky condition with a low level of ambient light. Additionally, there was no visible horizon, which can impair a pilot's ability to maintain spatial orientation.
Pilot Actions and Spatial Disorientation
After takeoff, the pilot reported attempting to maintain visual reference with another airplane that had departed ahead of him. During this effort, the pilot became spatially disoriented. This disorientation led to an unnoticed loss of altitude while the aircraft was in a turn. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain during flight.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted the pilot's decision to conduct the flight with known equipment deficiencies and the challenging environmental conditions. The pilot's spatial disorientation during the attempt to follow another aircraft was identified as a key element in the sequence of events.