Accident Details
A 394-hour private pilot, who was not instrument rated, conducted a departure from the runway. After takeoff, the pilot made a right turn. The airplane subsequently impacted 30 to 40 foot tall pine trees. The wreckage came to rest on the ground in a nose-low attitude with a right bank, approximately 1,888 feet northeast of the departure end of the runway.
Passenger Account
The pilot's wife, who was a passenger on the flight, provided a written statement. She reported that it was "very dark" at the time of the flight. Upon takeoff, they realized that "there was no visible horizon due to the prevailing clouds." She added that she assisted her husband by holding a flashlight which illuminated the instrument panel during the short flight.
Pilot Memory
The passenger also reported that the pilot has no memory of the accident or the month following the accident.