Accident Summary
A private pilot and a pilot-rated passenger attempted to take off from an airport located on an island in Lake Michigan. Neither pilot held an instrument rating. The airplane crashed into the lake less than one mile from the departure end of the runway.
Weather Conditions
The airport manager reported that low ceilings and dense fog with reduced visibility were present throughout the day. The pilot obtained two weather briefings from Flight Service. During these briefings, the pilot was advised of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and fog along the planned route of flight.
Witness Accounts
Two individuals who were pilots were working near the departure end of the runway at the time of the accident. They reported hearing the airplane take off. Subsequently, they heard what they described as a turn that seemed to be an attempt to return to the airport. Immediately after the turn, they heard the sound of the airplane impacting the water.
Additional Information
The accident occurred on an island airport in Lake Michigan. No further details about the aircraft or the individuals involved have been provided.