Dec 22, 1996
Accident
Destroyed MIDDLEBURG, FL
Injuries1 fatal
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsIMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
VFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in spatial disorientation and an uncontrolled descent into a wooded area. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing, darkness, the adverse weather condition (fog and/or low ceiling), and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.
NTSB MIA97FA043