Cessna 310J N308J accident near Lawrenceville, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of aircraft control while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions, as a result of spatial disorientation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed from the airport under instrument meteorological conditions on an instrument flight rules flight plan. Weather included a 300-foot overcast cloud layer and 1 mile visibility with light rain and mist. Shortly after takeoff, the air traffic controller lost radio contact with the pilot, and witnesses observed the airplane rolling under full power as it descended out of the clouds. The airplane subsequently collided with a house about 4 miles northwest of the airport. A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any evidence of a pre-existing mechanical failure or malfunction that precluded normal operation. Based on the wreckage and the environmental 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 ERA10FA040 for the full record.