Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the weather forecast for his route of flight indicated conditions would remain visual flight rules (VFR). During the flight, ceilings of 4,000 to 5,000 ft MSL were encountered near Hobart, Oklahoma. As the flight progressed, the weather deteriorated.
Pilot Actions
To maintain VFR conditions, the non-instrument rated pilot descended to 3,200 ft MSL, then further to 3,000 ft MSL. He also changed his intended destination from Woodward, Oklahoma, to Gage, Oklahoma. As the ceiling continued to lower, the pilot slowed the aircraft to 100–120 mph and cruised near an indicated altitude of 2,500 ft during nighttime conditions.
Collision with Terrain
The pilot reported believing he was cruising below the clouds at 200–300 ft above ground level (AGL). Subsequently, the aircraft collided with terrain in a wings-level, flat attitude at a reported elevation of 2,473 ft.
Weather Reporting
Weather reporting facilities at Gage and Hobart had closed at 2100 and 1800 CDT, respectively. A weather observation at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, reported instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with a 700-ft overcast ceiling and 10-mile visibility. There was no record of the pilot updating his weather briefing while en route through a Flight Service Station.