Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot experienced spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the dark night and inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Shortly after takeoff from an elevation of 1,060 feet msl in VFR weather, the airplane encountered ground fog. The pilot stated that he tried to maneuver around the fog, but the airplane entered another layer of ground fog. Shortly after this, he glanced at his instruments and noticed the airplane was descending. He said he started to attain a climb attitude when he saw the terrain directly below. He said he tried to pull up but the airplane impacted the ground. The local weather was reporting 6 to 8 miles visibility and ground fog. The accident occurred at an elevation of 1,280 feet msl during the hours of darkness. The private pilot was non instrument rated.
Source record
Factual narrative
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