Incident Overview
A pilot operating under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan from HOW to DHT received a weather briefing for the intended route. The flight proceeded to DHT, where radar contact was lost and the aircraft was cleared for an approach. The pilot subsequently canceled IFR.
Flight to Brackettville
After canceling IFR, the pilot continued to Brackettville, Texas. There, the aircraft contacted trees and the terrain. Witnesses confirmed that visibility was restricted due to low ceiling, fog, and light conditions.
Airport Information
Brackettville Airport is unlighted and has no approved IFR approach. The pilot had limited time to complete a commercial project for the United States Air Force.