Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated, non multi-engine rated pilot, whose medical certificate had expired, was conducting an IFR flight. The aircraft encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). During the flight, the pilot reported a landing gear problem and attempted to return for landing. The specific nature of the landing gear malfunction could not be determined.
Loss of Control
The pilot lost control of the aircraft while maneuvering in IMC. The aircraft subsequently crashed and burned. The accident sequence involved several factors, as determined by the official investigation.
Official Findings
The investigation identified multiple occurrences and contributing conditions:
Occurrence #1: Airframe/Component/System Failure/Malfunction
- Phase of operation: Cruise - normal
- Finding: Landing gear - undetermined
Occurrence #2: Loss of Control - In Flight
- Phase of operation: Maneuvering
- Findings:
1. Weather condition - low ceiling (factor) 2. Weather condition - fog (factor) 3. Planning/decision - poor - pilot in command (cause) 4. Airspeed - not maintained - pilot in command (cause) 5. Stall - inadvertent - pilot in command (cause) 6. Lack of total instrument time - pilot in command (factor)
Occurrence #3: In Flight Collision with Terrain/Water
- Phase of operation: Descent - uncontrolled
- Finding: Terrain condition - roadway/highway
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as documented in the official findings, encompasses multiple causes and factors: Occurrence #1 involved an undetermined landing gear malfunction. Occurrence #2 was attributed to the pilot's poor planning/decision, failure to maintain airspeed, and inadvertent stall, with contributing factors of low ceiling, fog, and lack of total instrument time. Occurrence #3 resulted from the uncontrolled descent into terrain (roadway/highway).