What happened
During a nighttime flight shortly after departing from Cedar Rapids, a single-engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft was operating in marginal weather conditions at the time of the incident. The subsequent crash resulted in two fatalities, as both individuals on board were killed.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which led to the loss of control of the aircraft. Several environmental and physiological factors contributed to the crash:
- Extremely low visibility, with fog reducing sightlines to less than half a mile
- Low cloud ceilings
- The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, specifically a blood alcohol concentration of 1.06‰
- Reduced physical and cognitive efficiency caused by intoxication