Incident Overview
A non-instrument rated pilot on a cross-country flight contacted approach control and reported that he was "sort of lost in the fog." He obtained weather information and elected to divert to Waycross, Georgia. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft collided with trees on uneven terrain and crashed.
Witness Reports
Witnesses at the scene stated that they heard the aircraft circle twice before the crash. They also reported patchy fog in the area of the accident.
Weather Conditions
About 28 miles south at Jacksonville, Florida, the weather at 1949 EST was reported as: 600 feet broken, 1500 feet overcast, visibility 7 miles, wind from 060 degrees at 12 knots.
Aircraft and Engine Examination
No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine was found.
Toxicology Findings
Toxicology tests on tissue from the pilot revealed the presence of benzodiazepine (Valium) and propoxyphene (Darvon). Interviews with the pilot's wife and an aviation medical examiner indicated that the pilot had used these medications for arthritis.