Piper PA-24-260 N9126P accident near Blairsville, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to commence the flight in low IFR weather conditions, and making immediate turns after takeoff in IMC, resulting in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot arrived at the airport for an instrument flight rules (IFR), cross-country flight to find a low ceiling and thick fog conditions prevailing. He waited for the weather to improve; however, he elected to depart when the ceiling was 200 ft and the visibility was ¼ mile in fog. The published departure procedure required a climb in visual conditions to cross the airport at or above 4,500 ft before continuing on course. Flight track data indicated that, immediately after takeoff, the pilot commenced a left turn to the northwest followed by a reverse turn to the right before the data ended. The airplane impacted trees and the bank of a lake, descending at a 22° angle to the ground. The airplane was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. Witnesses reported that the area around the accident site was enshrouded in thick fog at the time of the accident. The pilot most likely entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) immediately after takeoff, experienced spatial disorientation, and lost control of the airplane. An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preexisting mechanical failure or anomaly.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22FA014 for the full record.