Background
At approximately 1430 EST, a pilot departed from Freedom Field in Medina, Ohio, under visual flight rules (VFR). The weather at the time of departure was not specified in the report but was described as VFR conditions.
Accident Sequence
Approximately three hours later, at dusk, the pilot returned to the airport. The weather conditions at that time were estimated as a 400-foot overcast ceiling, 3/4-mile visibility with fog. A flight instructor on the ground heard the aircraft fly over the airport just before the accident. The instructor reported hearing a continuous engine sound until the aircraft crashed about 3/4 mile east of the airport in a wooded area.
Initial impact occurred with trees at approximately 60 feet above ground level (AGL) while the aircraft was on a heading of approximately 220 degrees. After the initial tree strike, the aircraft remained airborne for about another 100 feet, where it struck a second tree, resulting in the separation of the right wing.
Wreckage
The main wreckage came to rest 458 feet from the initial impact point. No evidence was found that the pilot obtained a weather briefing prior to the flight.