Night VFR Flight Ends in Crash After Missing Aircraft (N422FL)

Flight and Discovery Details A pilot elected to conduct a night visual flight rules (VFR) flight in weather conditions described by witnesses as a 1,000 to 1,500-foot ceiling and less than one mile visibility with fog. The airplane was reported missing that same night and was located two days later, about five miles west of the departure point. ## Crash Site and Wreckage Examination An examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft struck the ground in a steep nose-down attitude. Examination of the wreckage did not disclose evidence of a mechanical malfunction. ## Weather and Pilot Experience An updated weather advisory (AIRMET) had been issued for the area, which included a forecast for instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). There was no record that a weather briefing was obtained by the pilot. The pilot had logged 85 hours of instrument time, of which 9 hours were logged as actual instrument time. The most recent actual instrument experience he logged was during an instrument competency check, which was completed in August 1995. His most recent night experience was 0.7 hours, which was logged in August 1993. He had logged no actual instrument night experience.