Incident Overview
A pilot flying a sales demonstration aircraft was killed when the airplane collided with trees shortly after takeoff from Johnny Cake Airport. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured.
Flight History
Earlier that day, the aircraft had been used for a sales demonstration. On the return flight, after lowering the landing gear, the pilot heard a noise from the gear, though cockpit indications were normal. The aircraft landed at Johnny Cake Airport, where it was refueled for a subsequent flight to Bradley Field, where it was hangared. The pilot stated his intention to keep the gear extended for the 22-mile flight as a precaution. He also noted that he planned to fly below the overcast to avoid delays of up to 45 minutes in obtaining IFR clearances.
Accident Sequence
Moments after takeoff, the aircraft struck trees east of the airport. About one mile east of the airport, there is a north-south ridge. A pilot who had departed 15–20 minutes earlier reported entering the overcast between 400 and 700 feet above ground level (agl). Ground witnesses approximately one mile southeast of the airport, who heard the crash, described the weather as heavy fog and mist. One witness estimated the ceiling at 100 feet agl.
Official Findings
The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, consisted of two occurrences:
Occurrence #1: In-flight encounter with weather
- Phase of operation: Cruise
- Findings:
1. Weather condition: low ceiling 2. VFR flight into IMC: initiated by the pilot-in-command
Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with object
- Phase of operation: Cruise
- Findings:
3. Object: tree(s) 4. Altitude: inadequate, in the judgment of the pilot-in-command 5. Light condition: dark night