Witness Observation
A witness reported seeing an airplane in flight shortly before the accident. According to the witness, the airplane was traveling from south to north at a very low altitude before disappearing from view. After about a minute, the witness saw the airplane heading westbound and watched it until it disappeared behind some trees. No other witnesses to the accident were identified.
Weather Conditions
The witness described the weather as very rainy and windy, with very bad visibility. An official weather observation recorded by the Flight Service Station at Terre Haute, Indiana, located 38 miles north-northeast of the accident site, on November 2, 1997, at 1745 eastern standard time (1645 central standard time) reported few clouds at 2,400 feet above ground level (AGL), a broken ceiling at 3,300 feet AGL, an overcast ceiling at 5,000 feet AGL, and rain showers.
Pilot Information
Records indicate the pilot was not instrument rated and had logged no flight time in actual instrument meteorological conditions.
Accident Details
The specific location and time of the accident, as well as the aircraft type and registration, were not detailed in the available information. The accident site was reported to be near the area described by the witness, but no further specifics were provided.