Incident Overview
While flying just beyond the boundary of Class Delta airspace, the pilot concentrated on the indications of his Global Positioning System (GPS). During this focus, he inadvertently entered a low-level overcast cloud layer. The pilot estimated that he was in the clouds for less than ten seconds before the left wing of the aircraft impacted a tree. He was unable to initiate a 180-degree turn prior to the collision.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was operating the aircraft near the edge of Class Delta airspace. His attention was directed to the GPS display, and as a result, he did not notice the approaching cloud layer. The aircraft entered the low-level overcast clouds unexpectedly. The pilot attempted to execute a 180-degree turn to exit the clouds, but the left wing struck a tree before the maneuver could be completed.
Contributing Factor
The source identifies the pilot's focus on GPS indications while concentrating on the airspace boundary as the reason for inadvertently entering the cloud layer. No other factors are mentioned.
Damage and Injuries
The source does not specify any damage to the aircraft or injuries to the pilot or occupants. Only the fact that the left wing impacted a tree is reported.
Additional Details
The pilot's estimate of being in the clouds for less than ten seconds before the collision is the only temporal information provided. No information about weather conditions beyond the presence of a low-level overcast cloud layer is given. The specific location, aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, time of day, and ATC involvement are not mentioned in the source.