Background
The pilot had landed at Atlantic City, New Jersey at approximately 1545 while en route to Oxford, Connecticut. Before departing, he contacted two Flight Service Stations (FSS), both of which advised that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. The pilot was not instrument rated. He took off at approximately 1920 local time without filing a flight plan.
Flight and Incident
At 2102, the pilot contacted Atlantic City Approach Control. He reported that he was on a VFR flight at 1,500 feet, had encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and requested assistance to land at Atlantic City. The controller advised that instrument flight rules (IFR) weather conditions prevailed at Atlantic City. The aircraft was then radar identified approximately 3 miles east of the airport.
Shortly after, the pilot reported that he had the airport lights in sight and would circle to land. He subsequently stated that he had lost sight of the lights. The controller advised that a search for VFR weather was being conducted, to which the pilot acknowledged.
Wreckage
At 2210, radio contact was lost when the aircraft crashed on airport property. The wreckage was located in a wooded area approximately 2,000 feet west of the approach end of runway 13. Initial impact was with a tree while the aircraft was on a northerly heading.