Background
The pilot, a non-instrument rated individual who held A&P mechanic and authorized inspector certificates, had recently purchased an aircraft. On December 18, 1990, he and another mechanic traveled to Rockford, Illinois, to take possession of the aircraft. They worked on the aircraft, and the pilot certified an annual inspection.
Flight
On December 19, 1990, the pilot obtained a weather briefing for a flight to Kindred, North Dakota. The weather conditions prevented a flight to Kindred, but the pilot elected to fly as far as the weather would permit. He took off at approximately 1415 CST.
Accident
A resident near Boscobel, Wisconsin, heard an aircraft flying low in his vicinity at about 1530 to 1600 CST. Later, the resident learned that an aircraft was missing. He searched the area and found the wreckage where the aircraft had hit trees while descending on a southerly heading. The resident recalled that the visibility was about 200 yards when he heard the aircraft before the crash.
Weather
At 1459 CST, about 25 miles east at Lone Rock, Wisconsin, the weather was reported as: 700-foot overcast ceiling, 1-1/2 miles visibility with fog.
Investigation
No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft was found.