Accident Overview
An aircraft approaching a 2,500-foot-long runway from the north overshot its approach and was unable to land. The pilot applied full engine power and initiated a go-around. According to the airport manager, conditions at the time included low clouds and fog, with treetops surrounding the airport obscured by clouds. Visibility was approximately one-quarter mile, and the sun was not visible, though an area of blue sky was noted north of the airport.
Sequence of Events
The airport manager reported losing sight of the aircraft in the fog shortly after the go-around began, but could hear it maneuvering near the airport. He then heard the sound of an impact. The pilot later stated that he maneuvered the airplane onto a base leg, realized he was too low, and added power. The engine responded after 'some hesitation,' and then the airplane struck trees and crashed.
Witness Accounts
The 14-year-old passenger reported that the aircraft entered clouds while circling the airport, and she could only see the ground intermittently. She briefly saw trees, heard the pilot call 'hang on,' and then the crash occurred. Another witness described visibility as approximately 100 feet under overcast clouds.
Summary
The aircraft crashed after encountering low visibility and fog during a go-around, impacting trees near the airport.