What happened
Prior to departure, the pilot obtained weather information via television and utilized LORAN for navigation to the intended destination. After arriving at the area, the pilot overflew the airport and continued several miles beyond the field. While performing maneuvers to return to the airport, the aircraft flew into rising terrain and struck trees.
At the time of the accident, a witness reported foggy conditions with visibility ranging between 100 and 200 feet. Although the pilot stated he was maneuvering at an altitude of 3000 feet, the aircraft actually struck a ridge at approximately 2200 feet.