Flight Background
The flight originated from Austin, Minnesota, at 2010 hours. An intermediate stop was made at Danville, Illinois. The intended destination was Paris, Illinois Airport.
Weather Conditions
During the weather briefing, the pilot was advised of restricted visibilities reported by three reporting stations in the area of the destination. Additionally, a temperature-dew point spread of 3°C was reported at Terre Haute, Indiana (23 miles northeast of Paris, Illinois). The pilot declined to receive forecasts.
Accident Sequence
After departing Danville, a passenger who deplaned at the intermediate stop stated that the landing lights were penetrating "the fog we were in" and that the light made a "shaft" in the fog area. Shortly thereafter, the airplane crashed one mile southeast of the approach end of Runway 27 at the Paris, Illinois Airport. The accident location was consistent with a base leg to the runway.
Airport Conditions
According to the airport manager, the airport beacon could not be seen beyond 600-700 feet horizontally.