What happened
The aircraft was secured on the ramp overnight. The pilot departed without obtaining a weather briefing or filing a flight plan. Witnesses reported 'stand up' frost, measuring 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, on nearby parked airplanes. Conditions at takeoff included near-freezing temperatures, calm winds, and heavy fog enveloping the airport. The airplane impacted terrain 400 yards west of the runway and subsequently burned.
The investigation
Calculations determined the airplane was 115 pounds overweight at the time of takeoff. No mechanical services were rendered prior to the flight.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, the presence of frost on the aircraft, and exceeding weight limits.