Introduction
An airplane crashed shortly after takeoff in foggy conditions, coming to rest inverted in wooded terrain. The pilot had obtained his instrument rating two days prior to the accident.
Background
The pilot had recently earned his instrument rating. He told a former instructor that he needed the rating to avoid being stuck on trips and was concerned that family and friends would be disappointed if the trip was canceled or delayed.
Weather
At 0621 EDT, the reported weather included a partially obscured sky, a ceiling of 200 feet overcast, visibility of 1/4 mile in fog, and calm wind. Two minutes after the accident, at 0641 EDT, visibility had dropped to zero.
Flight Path
Radar data showed that after takeoff from runway 25, the airplane reached an altitude of 300 feet. It then crashed into wooded terrain about 1/4 mile south of the extended runway centerline and about one mile from the airport center. The airplane was in a steep left bank at the time of impact.
Wreckage
The airplane came to rest inverted. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the airplane was found. The airplane was nearly consumed by post-impact fire.