Flight Planning and Weather Briefing
Prior to departure, a private pilot with 580 hours of flight time and no instrument rating obtained two weather briefings from an automated flight service station (FSS). During the briefings, a briefer reported that an AIRMET for instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions was in effect and that VFR flight was not recommended along the proposed route. The AIRMET for IFR conditions was forecast to continue beyond 0900 and end at 1200. Additionally, the briefer advised the pilot to contact FSS while en route for weather advisories.
The pilot departed at approximately 0915. No records indicate that the pilot contacted FSS while airborne.
Flight and Witness Observations
Examination of radar data from the final minute of tracking showed the aircraft at an altitude of 5,400 feet mean sea level, on a heading of 102 degrees at a ground speed of 158 knots. The target then executed a right 180-degree turn before the radar data ended at 1039.
A witness reported that weather conditions at the time consisted of light drizzle, haze, and limited visibility. The witness stated that it had been raining but had "just let up." The witness heard the airplane circle overhead for several minutes, followed by a loud explosion at 1045.
Pilot Experience and Spatial Disorientation
According to the FAA Flight Training Handbook (Advisory Circular 61-21A), when neither horizon nor surface references are visible, the airplane's attitude must be determined by artificial means such as an attitude indicator or other flight instruments. The handbook notes that during low visibility, supporting senses like the inner ear and muscle sense may conflict with visual cues, making a pilot vulnerable to spatial disorientation.
Toxicological Findings
A toxicology report detected hydrocodone, a narcotic analgesic, in the pilot's liver and kidney. Because blood was not available for testing, it was not possible to determine when the pilot may have ingested the prescribed medication or whether he was impaired by it. Hydrocodone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness in some individuals. According to an FAA flight surgeon, using hydrocodone within 24 hours of flying is not recommended.