Background
The pilot received a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan for a night cross-country flight. Departure was from runway 24R.
Flight
The pilot was cleared for takeoff and instructed to make a right turn after takeoff to a heading of 350. After becoming airborne, the tower controller advised the pilot to contact departure control. The pilot acknowledged the instruction, but no further transmissions were received from the aircraft.
The controller observed the airplane climb to about 100 to 200 feet above ground level near the end of the 6,198-foot runway, where it began a right turn to a northerly heading. The controller then shifted attention to other duties. Subsequently, the airplane crashed on a lake north of the airport.
Survivors
Two passengers survived the crash. They reported no issues with the pilot or the airplane before water contact.
Investigation
No preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane was found.
Other Pilot Report
A pilot of another airplane, who departed shortly after the accident flight, reported experiencing disorientation when turning north during departure. He stated there was no visible horizon, overcast clouds blocked light from above, and there were no lights from below. Due to darkness over the lake, he had to '...stay on the instruments...until above the overcast.'