Flight and Incident Overview
A flight encountered engine roughness and a drop in oil pressure while operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing and was subsequently vectored to Runway 7. The prevailing weather at the time was reported as sky obscured, with ceiling and visibility both zero. The pilot aligned the aircraft with the high intensity approach lights but was unable to see the runway lights. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees approximately 500 feet to the left of the runway and about two-thirds of the way down the runway length.
Maintenance and Engine Examination
The aircraft's most recent annual inspection had been completed on August 30, 1980. Following the incident, an examination of the engine revealed a broken compression ring on one of the cylinders. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or occupants were provided in the source.
Summary
The sequence of events began with engine roughness and a drop in oil pressure, leading to a precautionary landing attempt. Despite vectoring and use of approach lighting, zero visibility prevented the pilot from identifying the runway, resulting in a collision with trees left of the runway.