Accident Sequence
A witness observed the airplane take off from the runway. Approximately 50 feet above the runway, the airplane entered the clouds and was no longer visible. The weather at the time was described as foggy and rainy, with visibility so low that the witness could not see the trees on the opposite side of the runway.
Radar Data
Radar tracking data indicated that after departure, the airplane flew to the east/northeast and climbed to an altitude of 4,000 feet. About 30 seconds into the flight, the airplane began a right 360-degree turn, during which it descended slightly. The descent stopped briefly while the right turn continued, and the altitude returned to 4,000 feet. Moments later, the airplane descended through 2,500 feet.
Witness Observations
A second witness reported seeing the airplane at a very steep angle, almost straight up and down, as it flew between two homes on her street. The engine sound was described as revving, as if someone were accelerating and decelerating. The airplane then impacted the roof of a residence, scattering debris across the street, and came to rest in the yard of a second residence.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies that could have contributed to the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot's logbook showed a total flight experience of 560 hours, including 11.9 hours of actual instrument time and 114 hours of simulated instrument time. The pilot had received an instrument rating seven months prior to the accident. According to Federal Aviation Regulation 61.57(c), to act as pilot in command under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR, a pilot must have performed and logged, within the preceding six calendar months, at least six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses. In the six months before the accident, the pilot had completed four instrument approaches and accumulated 4.5 hours of actual instrument flight time.