Incident Summary
A pilot initiated a flight in poor weather conditions from Boston-Logan Airport. After takeoff, while climbing in darkness, foggy conditions, and rain, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft crashed into Boston Harbor, sank, and both occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the pilot initiated the flight in adverse weather conditions and suffered spatial disorientation during the initial climb. Contributing factors included a low ceiling, fog, visibility below minimums, and the takeoff occurring in near zero-zero conditions.
Probable Cause
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to initiate flight in adverse weather conditions and subsequent spatial disorientation during initial climb. Factors reported were low ceiling and fog, visibility below minimums, and takeoff in near zero-zero conditions.