ATL83FA161

The plt had not flown actively for aprx 1 yr. However, shortly before the accident, he had told friends that he had missed flying & was going to resume this activity. He received a checkout in the Cessna 177RG on 12/12/82 in anticipation of flying again. This was the last record of the plt's flt activity that was found. At aprx 1815 CST on 4/13/83, he arrived at the arpt & told several people he was going for a refresher/pleasure flt. He took off at 1840 (21 min after official sunset). About 15 min later, when the plt terminated radar service, he reported that he had a severe case of vertigo & indicated he would return to the departure arpt. A short time later, said he may need medical attention. He then stated that he may not be able to get to that arpt & was experiencing 'blind spots' & a 'fast heart beat.' Subsequently, the acft crashed into the middle of a row of concrete silos at night. No preimpact,mechanical failure was evident. Reportedly, the plt had recent fainting spells, had a history of depression.