What happened
At approximately 20:06 Central Daylight Time, the pilot obtained a weather briefing prior to departing San Antonio, Texas. He was advised that Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions would prevail for his flight to San Marcos, Texas, but Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions were expected for the return leg around midnight. The pilot flew to San Marcos to perform a comedy act at a nightclub and began his return flight early to avoid forecasted deteriorating weather.
Light rain and fog were reported before the aircraft departed San Marcos. While returning along an interstate highway, the aircraft collided with two power line cables crossing over the roadway. The aircraft then impacted the ground approximately 500 yards beyond the power lines and burned. Witnesses estimated the cables were 110 feet above ground level (AGL) before being severed by the impact.
A witness who was also a pilot estimated the aircraft was flying between 75 and 100 feet AGL before impact. He reported cloud bases were between 200 and 300 feet AGL with rain and slight fog in the area. The pilot reportedly began to pull up just before the collision.
Findings
The accident occurred during night operations in low visibility conditions. The pilot flew into deteriorating weather despite being warned of IFR conditions for the return trip. The aircraft struck power lines that were below the reported cloud base but potentially within the pilot's visual scan range if he had maintained proper altitude awareness.
Safety message
Pilots must strictly adhere to weather minimums and avoid flying in deteriorating conditions, especially at night. Maintaining situational awareness of terrain and obstacles such as power lines is critical when operating in low visibility.