Accident Summary
An agricultural airplane, operated by a commercial pilot who did not hold an instrument rating, descended into a lake after the pilot lost control of the aircraft during an inadvertent entry into adverse weather conditions. The accident occurred when a 'very dense' fog bank, extending from the ground to 300 to 400 feet above ground level, moved rapidly into the area.
Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service reported that weather conditions across northeastern Louisiana at the time included winds calm to 3 knots from the north, visibility of 1/4 statute mile in fog, a ceiling of 100 feet, and a temperature dewpoint spread of 2 degrees Celsius.
Pilot Information
The pilot had accumulated over 20,000 hours of aerial application flying, including more than 4,000 hours in the accident aircraft.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was not equipped for flight into instrument meteorological conditions. No pre-impact anomalies were found with the airframe or the engine.