Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of control in flight due to spatial disorientation/vertigo.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane crashed about .8 miles east from the departed runway 21. The pilot reported a cloud base of 800 feet agl to the FAA flight service station 1 minute after takeoff. Shortly thereafter, witnesses stated that they heard the airplane's engine 'screaming' and the airplane came out of the clouds towards the ground. Witnesses stated that they saw the nose of the airplane rise just prior to impacting the trees. The on scene investigation did not reveal any airplane anomalies. An engine examination was accomplished and no anomalies were noted. The instrument panel and auto pilot controls were destroyed by impact forces. Three gyros were recovered from the wreckage and examined. Two of the three gyro casings exhibited rotational scoring. The pilot had logged about 354 hours total flight time. He earned his instrument rating on may 31, 1992. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
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