Wicks Air Center Llc HORNET N651WA accident near Bonham, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control shortly after takeoff due to spatial disorientation in fog and/or low-level clouds.

NTSB analysis

The non-instrument rated pilot departed the airport and was observed flying less than 100 feet above ground level. The airplane then made a left turn back toward the airport and continued into fog or a low cloud layer. It subsequently spiraled nose-down into the ground and there was an immediate postimpact fire followed by an explosion. A postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The weather in the area at the time of the accident was reported by witnesses as low clouds and poor visibility in fog. Federal Aviation Administration guidance indicates that spatial disorientation can occur when there is no natural horizon or surface reference, such as a night flight in sparsely populated areas similar to that of the accident area and conditions. Based on the wreckage and the visual reference conditions present at the time of the accident it is likely that the pilot experienced spatial disorientation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA041 for the full record.