Accident Overview
Within minutes of departing from Cedar Rapids, a single-engine airplane encountered an uncontrolled descent and crashed. The accident occurred during nighttime operations in marginal weather conditions. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Flight Details
The flight had recently taken off from Cedar Rapids when it entered the descent. The pilot was navigating through night conditions with limited visibility due to low ceilings, fog, and visibility of half a mile or less. The airplane subsequently struck the ground.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which led to the uncontrolled descent and crash. Additional contributing factors included physical impairment, alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment, low ceiling, fog, visibility of half a mile or less, and the pilot's blood alcohol level of 1.06‰.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled descent and subsequent crash after the pilot suffered spatial disorientation, with contributing factors of physical impairment, alcoholic impairment, low ceiling, fog, and reduced visibility.