Accident Summary
An aircraft departed from an uncontrolled airport approximately 32 minutes before sunrise. On board were the pilot, a pilot-rated passenger, and their wives. No flight plan was filed for the flight, and there was no record of a weather briefing being requested or obtained.
Witness Reports
Witnesses reported that ground fog obscured the ramp, as well as the departure and approach ends of the airport. A mechanic stated that he heard the aircraft take off, followed by about five seconds of silence before hearing the sound of the crash.
Crash and Wreckage
The aircraft crashed into a corn field in a steep, nose-low attitude. It was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. The crash site was located about 600 feet south of the departure runway and approximately 1,100 feet short of the departure end.
Engine and Propeller Examination
An examination of the propeller revealed evidence that it was rotating at the time of impact. The engine was subsequently tested on a test stand and ran successfully, indicating no pre-impact mechanical failure.
Vacuum Pump and Gyro Instruments
The pilot had previously mentioned that the vacuum pump did not work on an airplane he had been flying. However, examination of the vacuum pump and gyroscopic instruments from the accident aircraft did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction.