Primary finding
Probable cause
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 light conditions at dusk (or darkness), and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot received a weather briefing at 1630 est for the flight. At the time, he indicated that he would depart at 1900 est with an en route time of 45 minutes. He indicated to a family member that he would arrive at the destination between 1900 and 1930 est. The pilot departed at an undetermined time. The airplane was reported overdue and search authorities located the airplane two days later. The airplane crashed in a swamp area, about 8 miles west of the destination airport. The airplane struck the ground in a steep right bank attitude. The wreckage was strewn a distance of about 300 feet. The weather in the area at 2000 est was reported as 200 feet overcast and the visibility was 0.50 miles in fog. Examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of a mechanical malfunction. The accident was presumed to have occurred at about 1945.
Source record
Factual narrative
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