It is clear from the second news report that the pilot was not instrument rated. Given the reports of fog and low ceilings, I can bet pretty easily this guy killed himself, his wife, and their friend due to the irresponsibility of taking off into IMC (instrument meteorological conditions) without the correct skills. Stupid, stupid, stupid. When will people ever learn..............
However, it doesn't help when an asshat like this makes an utterly idiotic statement such as this (incredibly stupid and simply incorrect portions in red):
David Silchman, of the Nebraska Flight Center, said planes do not leave his facility with conditions like he saw Thursday morning. Silchman said he was surprised to hear about the crash.
"You can't see the ground, and if you can't see the ground, you just don't know where the plane is going to touch down," (my comments: Pilot was leaving, not coming into Ohama)Silchman said. "Nobody should be out there flying a small airplane in these conditions." (my comments: oh really? I've flown planes similiar to that in similar conditions in complete safety, as have thousands of other instrument-rated pilots)
According to Silchman, larger commercial planes have equipment to see through fog, (my comment: WTF is HE talking about? X-ray goggles )
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For the record, I have a private, single engine land pilot's certificate and an instrument rating.
PS, the reporter's comment that the pilot had the "miminum physical certificate" for flying means nothing at all. Who pays for more than a third class physical unless they have to?
The media has zero credibility when it comes to anything more technical than opening a door.