Accident Details
The pilot was conducting his initial revenue and solo flight for this company, in this type of airplane. Weather conditions at the time of takeoff included fog and low ceilings. The airplane collided with terrain on the airport shortly after takeoff. The pilot, sole occupant, was killed.
Investigation Findings
A subsequent examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the engines or airframe. The primary attitude indicator, located in the left panel, was electrically operated via an independent switch. This aircraft was the only such airplane operated by the company with this independent switch configuration for the attitude indicator.
During inspection, the attitude indicator was found to have a malfunctioning on/off flag that gave an indication of being operative regardless of power to the unit. No rotational damage was noted within the gyro housing.