Accident Overview
A night cross-country flight concluded with an accident approximately 8 miles north-northeast of the destination airport. The aircraft had departed at 1729:09, squawking a VFR code of 1200. No records of contact with air traffic control were found, nor was such contact required.
Flight Progress
Radar data indicate the aircraft climbed to 9,200 feet and proceeded toward the destination. At 1756:53, it began a descent at 250 feet per minute. The final radar return was received at 1800:55, at an altitude of 8,200 feet mean sea level (500 feet above ground level), 11 miles north of the destination. Prior to the final return, the descent was described as steady and gradual.
Accident Site and Weather Conditions
The accident site was located about 8 miles north-northeast of the destination airport. A witness living near the site reported dense fog and visibility of less than 50 yards at the time of the accident. Weather observations from the nearest facility showed that the flight departed in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), but conditions deteriorated to instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) as it approached the destination. During the hour surrounding the accident, the observed weather changed from few clouds at 300 feet, scattered clouds at 1,300 feet, visibility 3 miles in fog, and a 1-degree temperature dew point spread, to broken clouds at 200 feet and a 0-degree temperature dew point spread.
Pilot and Aircraft Examination
No record of the pilot obtaining a pre-flight weather briefing from a flight service station was found. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies that would have precluded their operation.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing. No probable cause has been determined at this time.