THE DTSB
The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the accident pilot planned an IFR flight knowing that the ceiling was 1500 overcast, and that he would be entering IMC conditions very quickly after takeoff. The very young and inexperienced accident pilot was tasked with raising gear, reducing to climb power, reducing RPM, contacting departure, hitting the ident button, and initiating a left turn to 180, while talking to ATC, all at about the same time. The aircraft never did enter I-LOC (in flight loss of control) at any time. The aircraft was in fact fully controllable and responsive to inputs, but the accident pilot lacked the requisite knowledge, experience, and currency in order to cross check, interpret, and control by placing the controls in the correct positions as required. The Probable Cause of this accident lies in the planned intentional IMC after takeoff as well as the cumulative tasks that were added on by aircraft operation as well as ATC instructions. At the very end, the pilot declared “Mayday” four times as he realized that he was not an IMC pilot, and the aircraft struck the water almost wings level with a very high forward airspeed. There was nothing wrong with the aircraft or it’s powerplants at the time of impact.