Grumman AA5 N9582L accident near Longview, Texas

Probable cause

The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.

NTSB analysis

The noninstrument-rated private pilot departed on a local flight in instrument meteorological conditions. A witness saw the airplane enter low overcast clouds immediately after takeoff. He heard the airplane begin a left turn, then saw the airplane emerge from the base of the overcast in a nose-down, steep left bank. The airplane subsequently reentered the clouds and the witness heard the impact a few minutes later. Evidence at the scene indicated that the airplane struck 40-ft tall trees and terrain, coming to rest inverted about 75 ft from the initial impact point. An examination of the airplane and its systems revealed no anomalies. Given that the pilot was not instrument-rated, it is likely that he experienced a loss of control of the airplane after entering instrument conditions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA128 for the full record.