Accident Details
The airport is situated on a plateau; the surrounding terrain lies lower than the runway. After departing runway 24, the airplane struck the top conductor of a telephone line approximately 2,500 feet from the departure end of the runway. The airport elevation was 331 feet MSL, while the estimated elevation of the telephone line was 245 feet. The debris path extended along a magnetic bearing of 270 degrees. Examination of both engines revealed contact signatures on internal components characteristic of power production at the time of impact. Fire consumed the cabin and cockpit, preventing a meaningful examination of instruments and systems.
Meteorological Conditions
An aviation routine weather report (METAR) issued about 13 minutes before the accident indicated calm winds, visibility of 1/4 mile in fog, and an obscured sky with a 100-foot vertical visibility.
Pilot Information
Examination of the pilot’s logbook showed that the pilot had accumulated 268 hours of total instrument flight time as of June 21, 2007. In the 90 days prior to the accident, the pilot had flown 11 hours in actual instrument conditions and logged 20 instrument approaches.