Accident Overview
During the initial climb-out after departure, the airplane collided with trees off the departure end of the runway. The pilot had filed an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan but decided to conduct the flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to the destination. The pilot indicated that it was still dark outside for the early morning flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that during the initial climb-out, he lost visual reference with the ground due to a lack of ground lights and a visible horizon. He activated the autopilot; however, the airplane was not climbing as expected. While trying to determine the problem, the stall warning activated. He disengaged the autopilot and attempted to lower the nose. The airplane simultaneously collided with trees.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the accident site at the time of the accident was reported by witnesses to be 1/8-mile visibility with overcast clouds at 100 feet.
Additional Information
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies noted with the airplane. According to the US Naval Observatory, sunrise for the date and location of the accident was at 0541.