Accident Overview
A commercial pilot who was not rated to fly solely by reference to instruments lost control of an agricultural airplane after an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) shortly after takeoff. According to the operator, the airplane departed to the west. Approximately two minutes after departure, the pilot radioed that he was 'disoriented.' The operator stated that 'apparently [he] was trapped behind a fog bank.'
Witness Reports
A witness, who is also an agricultural pilot, reported that at the time of the accident he observed ceilings between 100 and 150 feet above ground level (agl) and a fog bank. The fog bank extended from the northwest to the southeast, west of the airport. Another witness, located 200 yards from the accident site, reported that he heard the airplane, but due to the fog he could not see it until the time of impact. He added that the visibility was 500 yards at the time of the accident.
Weather Conditions
Two nearby weather observation facilities reported temperature-dewpoint spreads of 1 degree and 3 degrees, and both reported mist at the time of the accident. These conditions are consistent with reduced visibility and low cloud ceilings.
Examination
An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation of the engine and airframe at the time of the accident.