Overview
A flight departed from runway 23 during night instrument meteorological conditions for an instrument flight rules flight. The aircraft impacted railroad tracks located about 2.5 miles southwest of the departure airport.
Flight and Radar Data
At 0521:21, the pilot radioed air traffic control that he was climbing through 900 feet for 4,000 feet. At 0521:44, radar data showed the airplane at 1,000 feet, heading 232 degrees, with a ground speed of 145 knots. Over the next 45 seconds, the airplane turned approximately 15 degrees, climbed to at least 1,900 feet, and slowed to 121 knots ground speed before radar contact was lost.
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses reported hearing a "low" and "loud" airplane followed by an explosion. One witness observed the airplane at about tree-top level as it descended toward the ground, noting a bluish-green and red light illuminated, and stated there was no smoke or fire from the airplane.
Wreckage and Weather
Examination of the wreckage found no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. A weather observation from an airport about 16 miles south-southwest of the accident site reported: wind from 270 degrees at 11 knots, visibility 2.5 statute miles in rain and mist, ceiling 700 feet broken, temperature 61°F, dew point 57°F, altimeter 30.09 inHg. A witness near the accident site described the weather as dark and hazy with a "misty rain."