Accident Overview
A pilot flying a general aviation aircraft overflew his intended airport and continued several miles beyond it. While attempting to return to the airport, the airplane encountered rising terrain and struck trees. The pilot had obtained weather information from television prior to departure and used LORAN as his primary navigation aid.
Weather Conditions
A witness who heard the crash described the weather as foggy at the time of the accident, with visibility estimated between 100 and 200 feet. The pilot did not report any adverse weather conditions before the flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he was maneuvering at approximately 3,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) when the accident occurred. However, the airplane struck a ridge at about 2,200 feet MSL. The pilot indicated that the accident could have been prevented if he had maintained a higher altitude above the scattered clouds.
Terrain and Navigation
The aircraft impacted rising terrain during the return maneuver. No further details about the terrain or the airport location were provided. The pilot relied on LORAN for navigation to his destination, but the reason for overflying the airport was not specified.