Incident Overview
A pilot conducted a night flight into an area where marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions were both forecast and observed. The pilot expected to encounter a ceiling of 1,200 feet above mean sea level (MSL) and informed a Flight Service Station (FSS) briefer that he intended to proceed as far as possible.
Flight and Encounter
During the flight, the aircraft entered an area of patchy ground fog, which resulted in reduced visibility and a lack of visible horizon ahead. In response, the pilot elected to descend to 1,000 feet MSL and initiate a 180-degree turn. While executing this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees at an altitude of 750 feet MSL.
Pilot Background
The pilot had no actual instrument training and approximately five hours of simulated instrument time.
Seatbelt Attachment Failure
Following the tree strike, the outboard rear seatbelt attachment ring, which was oriented rearward, failed in bending. This failure allowed the rear seat passenger to be ejected from the aircraft.