Accident Overview
A 62-year-old non-instrument rated private pilot departed on a night cross-country flight from Bryan, Texas, to Van Horn, Texas. The aircraft, operated under visual flight rules (VFR), was acquired by Houston Center's radar after departing Coulter Airport. The flight proceeded southwest, with the last radar return recorded in the vicinity of Kitty Hill Airport, approximately 7 miles southwest of Georgetown.
Wreckage Discovery
The wreckage was located 30 days after the accident in a remote rural area. Houston Center's radar had tracked the VFR target until it was 40 nautical miles short of the accident site, about 7 miles west-northwest of Johnson City. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent post-impact fire.
Pilot and Weather Conditions
The pilot, a 62-year-old private pilot without an instrument rating, initiated the 435-mile night cross-country flight under marginal VFR weather conditions. Ceilings were reported between 1,300 and 2,100 feet, with visibility unrestricted and greater than 6 miles. Astronomical data indicated a nearly full moon; however, the aircraft was most likely operating beneath the ceiling without any illumination from the moon.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any pre-impact structural or mechanical anomalies.