Incident Overview
A noninstrument-rated pilot departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight while instrument flight conditions were present.
Weather Conditions
Witnesses estimated the ceiling at about 200 feet above ground level. Patchy ground fog was reported, and forward visibility was limited.
Witness Observations
Observers reported seeing the airplane flying below the tree line, following the path of a creek.
Flight Maneuvers
As the airplane approached a levee, it pitched up to a nose-high attitude of approximately 45 degrees. It then executed a steep right turn with a bank angle estimated at 90 degrees.
Collision Sequence
During the steep turn, the right wingtip struck a tree, causing the right wingtip to separate. The airplane then cartwheeled about its longitudinal axis to the left, colliding with trees and terrain. The airplane came to rest in an inverted orientation.