Flight Planning and Weather Briefing
The pilot contacted the Flight Service Station (FSS) at 1426 EDT to file an IFR flight plan. The FSS specialist began providing a weather briefing, but the pilot interrupted, stating he would check back later. He called again at 2016 EDT, speaking to a different briefer. During this second call, he requested only thunderstorm information and the Houston terminal forecast. At that time, Beeville Municipal Airport, his destination, was NOTAMed closed.
Departure and En Route
The pilot departed at 2044 CDT. He did not request NOTAM information either before departure or while en route.
Arrival and Diversion
During arrival, the pilot was cleared for an approach to Beeville at 2355 CDT. However, the airport lights were out, and the pilot could not see the airport. He elected to divert to NAS Chase Field, but that airport was also closed with its lights out. By this time, fuel was low.
Off-Airport Landing
The pilot elected to make a controlled off-airport landing. He selected a field, but during the night landing, the aircraft collided with a pile of railroad ties and a small tree. The aircraft had been airborne for approximately 4.5 hours. When filing the flight plan, the pilot reported 5 hours of fuel on board.