On October 3, 2007, at 1959 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, N96HA, registered to Stick and Rudder Inc, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with trees and the ground while maneuvering in the vicinity of Walthourville, Georgia. Marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The non-instrument rated private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The flight originated from Anderson Regional Airport, Anderson, South Carolina, at 1830 on October 3, 2007. Search personnel located the airplane on October 4, 2007, at 1100.

According to Savannah Approach Control, the flight was handed off from Jacksonville Center at 1937 and was being provided flight following. At 1953, the flight was informed by Savannah Approach, Liberty Airport was at his 12 0'clock position at 5 miles and flight following was terminated. Review of Savannah radar data revealed the airplane was at 3,500 feet at 1932. The airplane was observed to turn right and descend to 2,000 feet and start a left turn at 1957:05. At 1957:14 the airplane turned to the right and descended to 1,900 feet. At 1957:47 the airplane started a left turn and descended to 1,100 feet. The last radar contact was at 1958:20 when the airplane was at 400 feet.

The son of the deceased pilot and passenger stated his mother called his home at 1800 and stated they were in Anderson, South Carolina, and would arrive in Hinesville, Georgia, in about two hours. His mother informed his wife that they were aware of the weather. The son stated he went to the airport to pick up his parents at 2000, and it was a very gloomy night, very dark, cloudy with a drizzling rain. At about 2010, a lady arrived at the airport and asked if he was waiting for someone and informed him that a plane had crashed. A searcher who was assisting in looking for the airplane stated the weather at the time of the accident was overcast, rain, and fog with no visible light.

NTSB Identification: MIA08FA001
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, October 03, 2007 in Walthourville, GA
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-181, registration: N96HA
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.