What happened
At 0621 EDT, weather conditions at the airport included a ceiling of 200 feet overcast, visibility of 1/4 mile due to fog, and calm winds. The pilot had obtained an instrument rating only two days prior to the accident.
Following takeoff from runway 25, radar data indicated that the aircraft reached an altitude of 300 feet. At that point, the airplane entered a steep left bank and crashed into wooded terrain. The impact site was located approximately 1/4 mile south of the extended runway centerline and about one mile from the airport center. Upon impact, the aircraft came to rest in an inverted position. Shortly after the accident, at 0641 EDT, visibility had decreased to zero.
The investigation
The investigation found no evidence of preimpact part failure or mechanical malfunction of the airplane. Although the aircraft was nearly destroyed by a post-impact fire, no mechanical issues were identified as contributing to the loss of control.