Accident Details
A non-instrument rated pilot was conducting a night VFR return flight when the airplane struck high terrain approximately 1.5 miles from the destination airport. The impact point was about 500 feet above the airport elevation.
Witness Observations
A witness who saw the flight depart VFR about three hours earlier reported that at the time of the accident, the weather at the airport was foggy with zero visibility. The same witness stated that fog began to develop at the airport about 45 minutes after the earlier departure. Additionally, the witness noted that the runway lights were illuminated, but the airport rotating beacon was not operating.
Flight and Communication
During the flight, the pilot received radar vectors to the airport. He requested and was given confirmation from the air traffic controller that he was over the airport.
Mechanical Examination
An examination of the airplane did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction.
Nearby Weather Conditions
At Bluefield, West Virginia, located about 25 miles east-northeast of the accident site, the reported weather included: 100-foot obscuration, visibility of 1/16 mile with fog, and calm winds.