Incident Overview
A pilot flying from Laconia, New Hampshire, to Moultonboro, New Hampshire, crashed into a mountain ridge after experiencing difficulty locating the destination airport in foggy conditions. The pilot had previously landed in Laconia and telephoned his wife to inform her of his intention to proceed to Moultonboro.
Sequence of Events
After departing Laconia, the pilot contacted Moultonboro UNICOM and reported that he had left Laconia and was over a nearby lake but was having trouble finding the airport. The UNICOM operator advised that weather conditions were poor, with fog at treetop level, and offered to illuminate the runway lights if needed. The pilot responded that it would not be necessary, stating that he would circle a few times to see if he could locate the airport, and if not, he would return to Laconia. No further communications were received from the aircraft.
Recovery and Investigation
When the aircraft failed to arrive at either Moultonboro or Laconia, a search was initiated. The wreckage was found about 50 feet below the top of a mountain ridge, at an approximate elevation of 2,000 feet. Investigators found no evidence of any preimpact or mechanical malfunction or failure.
Conclusion
The accident occurred when the pilot, unable to see the airport in fog, flew into a mountain ridge. The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues with the aircraft.