Circumstances
Upon arrival at the airport, the pilot encountered weather with an estimated ceiling "about treetop level" and visibility of about 1/2 mile due to fog. After speaking with the airport manager for approximately one hour, the pilot went to his hangar to wash the airplane's windshield. Witnesses then heard the airplane depart, but could not see it due to the low ceiling and fog. One witness remarked, "I just heard him takeoff. I was surprised that anyone would takeoff in those weather conditions." The published takeoff minimums for the airport were ceiling 300 feet and visibility 1 mile.
Accident Sequence
Approximately one minute after takeoff, the airplane impacted trees and terrain. Pieces of angularly cut wood were found along the 400-foot wreckage path.
Investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any pre-impact failures or malfunctions. Interviews and Federal Aviation Administration records showed the pilot was instrument rated, but did not obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan prior to departure. Toxicological testing of the pilot detected the presence of prescription stimulants and antidepressants. The extent to which these drugs may have affected the pilot could not be determined.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was determined by the investigation. The source does not provide a stated cause.