Night Special VFR Approach Ends in Ground Collision (N2257T)

Flight and Weather Conditions The pilot attempted a night Special VFR approach to the airport while not being night current and without holding an instrument rating. While en route, the pilot obtained three weather reports for the airport, which established that conditions were instrument flight rules (IFR) with visibilities less than 2 miles in fog. The pilot accepted the Special VFR clearance and reported inbound to the airport from the north. ## Witness Observations Shortly after reporting inbound, the pilot reported over a prison located 4 miles northeast of the airport. Prisoners stated that the aircraft orbited one of the guard towers two or three times before departing to the northwest. The official visibility reported by air traffic control was 1 mile in fog. Witnesses at the prison stated that ground visibility was less than 1 mile, with areas of heavy fog. ## Impact and Examination The aircraft collided with the ground in a descent measured at 11 degrees, with the right wing down about 20 degrees. Examination of the wreckage identified no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.