VFR Flight in Instrument Meteorological Conditions Ends in Crash (TGHUH)

Flight and Weather Conditions The pilot received three weather briefings before takeoff and departed under visual flight rules (VFR) without filing a flight plan. Instrument meteorological conditions were present in the area, with visibility of 2 1/2 statute miles in heavy rain. Fog was reported at 1355 at a weather observation station located about 102 degrees magnetic and 4.88 nautical miles from the crash site. Witnesses reported hearing a low-flying airplane with a sputtering engine, followed by the engine revving up and an impact. ## Search and Recovery A search for the overdue airplane was conducted, and the aircraft was located three days after the accident. Examination of the airplane, flight controls, and engine revealed no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction. No maintenance logbooks for the airplane or the pilot's logbook were located. Copies of maintenance records from the last country of registration indicated the airplane was last inspected on October 21, 1993. ## Contributing Factors The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) did not operate because it was in the 'off' position and the battery voltage was less than required. The airplane had been operated for an estimated 2 hours 53 minutes since the fuel tanks were filled. No record was found of the pilot obtaining any in-flight advisories. No determination could be made if the pilot was current to fly in instrument meteorological conditions.