Accident Sequence
The aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and the pilot became disoriented. The pilot cruised without air traffic control (ATC) navigational assistance after failing to make radio contact or file a flight plan. The non-instrument rated private pilot continued flying until the aircraft lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The subsequent forced landing occurred on rough and uneven terrain during a foggy, dark night, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Pilot and Flight Details
The pilot was a non-instrument rated private pilot. No flight plan had been filed, and no radio contact was established with ATC. The pilot did not receive navigational assistance from ATC.
Weather Conditions
Visibility at the time was estimated at one-quarter of a mile. The night was described as dark and foggy, with IMC conditions present.
Damage
The forced landing on rough and uneven terrain caused substantial damage to the aircraft.