What happened
During the initial climb phase of flight, an aircraft collided with transmission wires and the ground within a residential neighborhood. The accident occurred while the flight was being conducted under instrument flight rules, characterized by low ceilings and fog.
At the time of the impact, the aircraft's attitude indicator was non-functional. Investigation into the electrical systems revealed that the gyroscope for the pilot's attitude indicator was not rotating. Evidence suggested that the circuit breaker providing power to this specific instrument had been pulled. This practice was a habit of a previous pilot and had been communicated to the current pilot, although this specific procedure was not documented in the aircraft's official checklist.
Findings
Investigators determined that the primary cause of the accident was the loss of control during flight. The following contributing factors were identified:
- The attitude gyro was disconnected from its power source.
- The pilot failed to correct for the lack of instrument indication.
- The pilot experienced spatial disorientation during the climb.
- Adverse weather conditions, specifically fog and low cloud ceilings, limited visibility.
- Inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot in command.