Weather Briefing and Flight Plan
The pilot, who held a private certificate without an instrument rating, received two weather briefings for the planned route from Madison, Mississippi, to Lufkin, Texas, then to College Station, Texas, and finally to San Antonio, Texas. The last briefing, from College Station Flight Service Station, informed the pilot that marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions existed along the route and that San Antonio reported instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions.
Flight and Disorientation
The pilot departed College Station. While near Lockhart, Texas, the pilot performed a descent to 1,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) to remain in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). When attempts to contact Austin Approach failed, the pilot turned around to proceed to Smithville, Texas. The pilot reported that he overcompensated for the crosswind and became disoriented.
Landing and Impact
After flying for some time, it began to get dark, and the pilot decided to land on a road. During the landing roll, a gust of wind caught the aircraft, and the left wing contacted a fence.
Damage and Injuries
No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing.