Cessna 140 | N89447

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the accident pilot elected to make a takeoff in reduced ceiling and viability conditions, whereby loss of horizon reference occurred and the aircraft impacted the water in a descending right hand turn in hopes of regaining visual reference with the ocean. The passenger reported that they flew to 0Q5 for lunch and were returning to STS. He stated that they departed to the south, into the wind, and intended to circle the airport and fly over the runway to gain altitude. He stated that after they took off, they made a right turn northbound
over the ocean and entered fog. The passenger noted that he could see the water below them and that it was closer than expected. The accident pilot held a 2nd class medical only which was issued in 2021, but no pilot certificate of any kind. The passenger survived and reported encountering unexpected fog after takeoff., but does not remember the impact with the water.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to be reminded to use prudent ADM when contemplating low visibility takeoffs that are over any body of water. The DTSB also recommends that non qualified pilots not conduct these dangerous and illegal type flights. The DTSB also recommends that all persons should be assertive in determining the qualifications and experience of each pilot that they elect to fly with.