Flight Preparation
The pilot obtained two weather briefings prior to departing on a visual flight rules (VFR) day cross-country flight to Amarillo International Airport (AMA), Texas. The estimated arrival time was 1000 central daylight time.
Weather Briefings
Initial briefings indicated a forecast for AMA of occasional visibility of 5 statute miles, mist, and overcast clouds at 2,000 feet. The pilot was also advised of a lingering stationary front in the Texas Panhandle and thunderstorms in the area.
At 0818, the pilot contacted a flight service station on a flight watch frequency for updated weather. The briefer informed the pilot that a convective sigmet was in effect and that flight under VFR was not recommended. The briefer additionally reported that for the next 90 minutes, the forecast for AMA indicated an occasional ceiling of broken clouds at 600 feet.
A special weather observation at AMA at 0927 indicated visibility of 4 statute miles, mist, broken clouds at 300 feet, and overcast clouds at 700 feet.
Communications and Approach
At 0933, the pilot contacted approach control, confirmed having the current automatic terminal information service (ATIS), and requested Special VFR to the airport. The pilot reported being at 3,700 feet mean sea level (MSL); airport elevation is 3,607 feet MSL. At 0940, the pilot stated he was 8 miles north of the airport, between 3,700 and 3,800 feet MSL. Radar contact was established when the airplane was 6 miles north of AMA.
At 0941, the controller issued permission to enter Class C airspace and to maintain Special VFR conditions, which the pilot confirmed. Subsequent attempts by the controller to establish communications with N983HH were unsuccessful.
Accident Circumstances
The airplane impacted a power plant located 5 miles northwest of the airport at the 154-foot level. Witnesses who observed the aircraft just prior to the accident reported very foggy conditions. A post-accident examination revealed no aircraft or engine anomalies that would have prevented normal operations.