Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed in an open field approximately one and a half miles from the departure airport. The weather at the time was instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with low ceilings and visibility in fog and snow. Ground witnesses near the accident site reported visibility of one mile or less and ceilings between 100 and 200 feet.
Sequence of Events
During the crash sequence, the aircraft struck a tree located about 60 feet northwest of the initial ground impact. A depression in the field, leading from a larger impact hole, was oriented on a heading of 217 degrees.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft came to rest on its nose and both wings. The wings were crushed, and the cockpit was destroyed.
Pilot Information
There was no record that the pilot received a weather briefing. The pilot was not instrument rated.
Additional Details
There was no evidence of pre-impact malfunctions.