Departure and Initial Climb
The pilot stated that he departed for a filed instrument flight rules (IFR) flight, estimating visibility over half a mile. The takeoff was at full power, with rotation occurring at an estimated 95 knots approximately halfway down the runway. The pilot established a climb attitude of 10 to 12 degrees. With a positive rate of climb, the landing gear was selected to the retract position, and a runway 32 heading was maintained.
Tree Collision
Between 1 and 2 miles from the runway, the airplane collided with something, later determined to be trees, while in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The airplane was still climbing and shortly thereafter exited IMC. Damage to both wings' leading edges and leaking fuel were apparent. The pilot advised air traffic control and declared an emergency.
Approach and Landing Gear Issue
The pilot was given an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 30 at a nearby airport. He intercepted the localizer for runway 30, and at 3 miles out, attempted to lower the landing gear. There was an unsafe nose gear indication, and it would not lower. The pilot elected to land on the main landing gear and hold off lowering the nose for as long as possible; eventually it made contact with the runway along with the propeller blades.
Post-Event Observations
The pilot and passenger exited the airplane once it came to a stop. A subsequent examination revealed damage to the empennage in addition to the damage incurred during the collision with trees. A witness at the departing airport stated that ground visibility was poor during the time the airplane departed. The closest weather observation from the departing airport, located 16 miles to the northeast, recorded winds calm, visibility at three-quarters statute miles, 100 feet vertical visibility, and fog near the time of departure.
Departure Procedures
The published takeoff minimums and obstacle departure procedures for the departing airport stated that for runway 32 visibility, "1500-3 or std. with a minimum climb gradient of 300’ per NM" and "climb to 4100’ before turning on course." The pilot did not report any discrepancies with the airplane prior to the accident flight. Departure runway elevation was about 1,150 feet, while maximum terrain elevation 1 to 2 miles from the departure end of the runway was about 1,300 feet.