Accident Synopsis
A departure accident occurred approximately 3 miles west of the departure airport. The airplane was climbing after takeoff when it completed a 360-degree turn, reached 2,500 feet msl, then entered a tighter turn with a 500-foot altitude loss. It completed another turn while descending to impact. Recorded radar data showed the airplane from 500 feet agl to the accident site at 1,112 feet msl, about 600 feet above the airport elevation.
Weather Conditions
The departure was planned for about 0430. No record was found that the pilot obtained a preflight weather briefing through an FAA or NWS source. Surrounding airports reported cloud coverage between 700 and 1,000 feet above ground level, with visibility 3 miles or less. A terminal forecast for the area predicted visibility of 3 miles in mist, temporarily 1 mile in mist, between 0400 and 0600. An AIRMET was in effect for ceilings below 1,000 feet and visibility 3 miles in fog and mist for the departure area. The AIRMET also noted occasional ceilings below 1,000 feet and visibility less than 3 miles in fog and precipitation for portions of the en route phase and at the destination. Mountain obscuration in clouds and precipitation was also forecasted.
Terrain and Aircraft Information
The departure airport was surrounded by hilly terrain with tops 1,000 to 3,000 feet above the airport elevation. The most conservative weight and balance computation placed the airplane 241.2 pounds over maximum allowable gross weight, with a center of gravity location 2.57 inches aft of the rear limit. No discrepancies were found with the airplane or engine upon inspection. The pilot did not possess an instrument rating.