Incident Overview
At approximately 1938, a non-instrument rated private pilot departed AXA for a local flight. The pilot had just returned from a cross-country flight and had been on the ground for about 8 minutes before taking off. The sky appeared clear at departure. After rotating and climbing to about 70 feet, the airplane became engulfed in fog. The pilot turned right toward an open field north of AXA, cut power, leveled the wings, and attempted to hold the attitude to reduce impact. The airplane impacted terrain slightly nose down, skidded, and then flipped over, resulting in substantial damage.
Weather Conditions
The pilot checked the AXA Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) before the flight. At 1915, the recorded weather was: wind 310 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 7 statute miles; sky clear; temperature -15°C; dew point -18°C; altimeter 30.22 inches of mercury. At 1935, three minutes before the accident, the recorded weather was: wind 310 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 1/4 statute mile; present weather light snow; sky condition overcast at 100 feet; temperature -14°C; dew point -18°C; altimeter 30.22 inches of mercury. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of takeoff, transitioning to instrument meteorological conditions.
Pilot Actions
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, stated that after being engulfed in fog, he could not see anything. He chose to execute a precautionary landing to an open field, cutting power, leveling the wings, and trying to hold the attitude to minimize impact forces. The airplane impacted slightly nose down, skidded, and then nosed over. The pilot reported no injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage.