Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated pilot was conducting a cross-country flight to an uncontrolled airport. During the approach, while performing a base turn, the pilot inadvertently descended into the ground after entering fog. At the time, the airport was experiencing instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions due to fog. The terrain where the aircraft impacted was an open field covered with snow.
Flight Details
This was the pilot's first flight into the destination airport. Prior to the approach, Denver Approach Control had given the pilot weather information from the nearest reporting station, Denver Stapleton International Airport, which was reporting scattered clouds at 6,000 feet. The pilot entered the fog during the base turn of the approach, and the inadvertent descent occurred.
Weather and Terrain
The IFR conditions at the airport were caused by fog. The accident site was an open snow-covered field. No other weather or terrain details were provided in the investigation.