Accident Overview
A pilot who was not rated for instrument flight encountered instrument meteorological conditions while returning to his home base airport. The conditions included low ceilings and reduced visibility due to fog. The flight was en route to the pilot's home airport when the weather deteriorated.
Witness Account
A witness at the scene reported seeing the airplane descend nose-first into a field located approximately three miles from the destination airport. The witness described briefly sighting the top of the wings and fuselage before impact, and noted that the airplane appeared to be nearly perpendicular to the ground at the moment of impact.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at DuPage County Airport, situated about 15 miles southeast of the accident site, indicated sky partially obscured, an overcast ceiling at 300 feet, visibility of one mile in fog, temperature and dew point both at 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and winds from 060 degrees at 12 knots. Local residents in the area reported hearing the engine noise of a low-flying airplane and stated that the weather had deteriorated rapidly during the afternoon.
Investigation
Post-accident investigation revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure. The aircraft appeared to have been under power and under control until the moment of impact, based on the witness observations and the lack of mechanical issues.