Accident Details
The aircraft collided with trees and the ground during an approach to land on a foggy night at an airport with no instrument approach facilities or control. The 67-year-old pilot had canceled his IFR flight plan at 2110 EDT. The accident occurred five minutes later at 2115 EDT. The aircraft was approaching runway 17, and the heading of its collision path was 148 degrees.
Injuries and Survivor Account
The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. One passenger, seated in the right rear with his seat belt unfastened, escaped with a broken jaw, elbows, and nose. He recalled awakening to see the runway lights at the same level as the aircraft. He stated that he thought the engine was running and making no unusual noises.
Weather and Lighting
A friend had turned the airport lights on at about 2000 EDT. A witness reported low-level ground fog below the level of the streetlights near the airport at 2130 EDT. At New Haven, Connecticut, the weather was below minimums.
Wreckage Location
The main wreckage came to rest 900 feet from the approach end of the runway and 270 feet east of the extended centerline.