19991222036949A

(.19) On December 22, 1999, about 1900 pacific standard time, a Beechcraft baron, N8129R, operated by and registered to the private pilot as a 14CFR91 business flight, was destroyed when it collided with terrain approximately 1/4 of a mile southeast of the Hermiston municipal airport, Hermiston, Oregon. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. The private pilot and his passenger received fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and there was ELT activation. The flight originated from the Hermiston airport just prior to the accident. While on the ground at Hermiston, the pilot was issued an IFR clearance from Hermiston to madras, Oregon, with a void time of 1915 PST. A witness stated that shortly after takeoff (approximately 1900 PST), the aircraft entered a shallow turn to the south, just prior to entering the clouds. Approximately five minutes later, the Hermiston police department received report of a downed aircraft south of the Hermiston airport. (-23) witness stated that the aircraft made a shallow right turn departure after leaving runway into low fog. (Approximately 400 feet ceiling). (.4) shortly before departure, the pilot was issued an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance from Hermiston, Oregon to madras, Oregon. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft departed the airport from runway 04. A witness observed the aircraft enter a shallow turn to the right (south) shortly after departure, however, he lost sight of the aircraft due to trees obscuring his view. Approximately 5 minutes later, the local police received report of a downed aircraft southeast of the airport. The aircraft impacted terrain approximately 1/4 mile south of the departure end of the runway, in a right wing low attitude. The accident occurred during the hours of darkness. Low ceilings and visibility were reported at the time of the accident. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical malfunction or failure.