Accident Overview
Witnesses reported hearing an airplane on final approach to an airport around 2330 local time in conditions of poor visibility. They noted no unusual noise or observations before the airplane's engine went silent following the sound of an impact. Due to fog, no fire or explosion was visible at that time.
Search and Discovery
The Lake County Sheriff's office conducted a visual search of the area where the airplane might have been located, but fog and nighttime conditions hindered the operation. The sheriff's aviation department was unable to assist until weather cleared the following morning. At 0245, a representative from the Civil Air Patrol informed the sheriff's department that an emergency locator transmitter signal had been received in the previously searched area. At 0410, the airplane was found in a swamp along the flight path to the airport.
Weather Conditions
Weather recorded at the airport near the time of the accident included winds from 070 degrees at 3 knots, visibility of 1 3/4 statute miles with mist, an overcast ceiling at 200 feet, temperature 17°C, dew point 17°C, and barometric pressure 30.24 inches of mercury.
Aircraft Condition and Wreckage
The airplane came to rest upright in swamp terrain. Impact damage was observed on several nearby trees. The damage to the airplane and surrounding vegetation was indicative of a nose-low, left-wing-down attitude during a vertical descent at impact. Measurements of the flap mechanism indicated the flaps were set at 25 degrees down. The pitch trim drum measurement corresponded to a 3-degree tab deflection in a nose-up attitude. Examination of the airframe, flight control systems, and engine revealed no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Flight Details
The pilot was not in contact with any air traffic control facilities at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot did not hold an instrument rating.