Accident Sequence
At approximately 1830, a witness observed an airplane fly over his house heading southwest. The airplane then turned south and entered a fog bank. Shortly after, the witness saw the airplane emerge from the fog bank heading west and diving. The airplane struck the ground and exploded. The witness reported that the airplane's lights were on and the engine was running at the time.
Weather Briefing
At 1809, the pilot received a weather briefing from Wichita Flight Service for a flight from LaCrosse, Kansas, to Dodge City, Kansas (DDC). The controller informed the pilot that VFR flight was not recommended and to expect instrument conditions at DDC. At 1856, the National Weather Service at DDC, 12 miles southwest of the accident site, reported wind from 150 degrees at 13 knots, ceilings of 600 feet broken, 1,000 feet overcast, visibility 5 miles with mist, temperature 54 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and altimeter 30.27 inches of Mercury.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a third class medical certificate dated December 15, 1999. The certificate contained limitations stating, "Not valid for night flying or by color signal control." The lighting conditions at the time of the accident was dark night.
Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no pre-impact anomalies.