Accident Overview
The aircraft collided with power lines and the ground shortly after takeoff while operating in instrument meteorological conditions. The accident occurred in a residential area.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the gyro for the pilot's attitude indicator showed no indication of rotation at the time of impact. The previous pilot of the aircraft stated that he routinely pulled the AC circuit breaker after landing, which supplied voltage to the pilot's attitude indicator. He informed the new pilot of this procedure, but it was not included in the aircraft's checklist.
This flight was the new pilot's first instrument flight in that aircraft.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings list two occurrences: first, loss of control in flight, and second, in-flight collision with terrain/water. Contributing factors included: disconnected flight/nav instruments (attitude gyro), the pilot not correcting the attitude indicator, spatial disorientation, adverse weather (fog and low ceiling), and inadequate preflight planning/preparation.