Introduction
A private pilot, who was not instrument rated and had obtained his certificate approximately three weeks prior, was involved in an accident during a night flight. The pilot had accumulated 55 total flight hours, including 5 hours at night. The accident occurred after the pilot took off from a coastal valley airport in conditions of nighttime darkness.
Accident Sequence
After departure, the pilot climbed over a sparsely lighted area toward rising terrain. During the climb, the airplane entered low stratus clouds. According to the pilot, the clouds were not visible until the airplane flew into them. In response, the pilot attempted to reverse course back toward the departure airport. However, during the turn, the right wingtip contacted terrain in a plowed field. The airplane subsequently cartwheeled to the ground. The accident site was located 4 miles from the departure airport at an elevation 120 feet higher than the airport.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a private pilot with a recent certificate, having been certified about three weeks before the accident. He reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the accident.
Aircraft and Environmental Conditions
The flight took place at night from a coastal valley airport. The area over which the pilot climbed was sparsely lighted. Low stratus clouds were present, and the pilot inadvertently entered them. The exact time of day and weather conditions beyond the presence of low stratus were not specified in the source.
Conclusion
The accident involved a non-instrument rated private pilot who encountered low stratus clouds during a night departure and struck terrain while attempting to return to the airport. No mechanical issues were reported with the aircraft.