What happened
Upon arriving at the airport, the pilot encountered weather conditions consisting of fog and an estimated ceiling near treetop level, which reduced visibility to approximately 1/2 mile. After speaking with the airport manager for about one hour, the pilot went to his hangar to wash the airplane's windshield. Witnesses heard the aircraft depart, though the low ceiling and fog prevented them from seeing the flight. The published takeoff minimums for the airport were a 300-foot ceiling and 1 mile of visibility.
Approximately one minute after takeoff, the aircraft impacted trees and terrain. A wreckage path extending 400 feet contained pieces of angularly cut wood.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of any malfunctions or failures occurring prior to the impact. While FAA records and interviews confirmed the pilot held an instrument rating, investigators noted that the pilot did not file a flight plan or obtain a weather briefing before the departure. Toxicological testing performed on the pilot identified the presence of antidepressants and prescription stimulants; however, the specific impact of these substances on the pilot's performance could not be determined.
Findings
- The aircraft impacted trees and terrain shortly after takeoff.
- The pilot operated in visibility below the published airport minimums.
- There were no pre-impact failures found in the wreckage.