Primary finding
Probable cause
Inadvertent VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (imc), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, self-induced pressure on the pilot to make the flight, and the pilot's lack of instrument expereince.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Before takeoff, the non-instrument rated 79 year old pilot received two preflight weather briefing. He was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. The pilot departed with his wife to attend a family gathering in detroit, michigan, with a planned stop in westerly, rhode island, to pick up radio equipment. Segments of the flight were over water. During the flight, the pilot was in radio contact with groton-new london tower. He indicated on his last transmission that he was descending into westerly. The aircraft did not reach the destination airport. A search was initiated after debris was found by a fisherman. The aircraft was located 5 days later in about 50 feet of water about 5 miles south of the airport. About 15 miles south of westerly at block island state airport, an airport attendant reported a low ceiling and fog, which prevented inbound and outbound flight to westerly.
Source record
Factual narrative
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