Rockwell 112A | N1423J

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot elected to take off at 11 pm local time, during a time of low ceiling and visibility. The pilot records show that pilot had not held a medical certificate since August, 1998 and that he did not possess an instrument rating, and his certificate stated “NIGHT FLYING PROHIBITED.” The pilot filed an IFR flight plan with ATC for a 90 minute flight to Valdosta, Georgia at 9,000 feet. The couple owned a home in Madison, GA which is near Valdosta. The pilot took off to the east and immediately entered IMC conditions, whereupon he reduced pitch in response to his sensation that he was actually climbing. The aircraft impacted the tops of trees just north of the runway in a high speed, high G impact. The impact was not survivable.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all single engine piston aircraft avoid night flight in poor weather, especially when not current or certified in any way for the intended flight.