Accident Details
A single-engine airplane impacted a radio tower guy-wire and terrain while operating on a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight. The private pilot, who held a non-instrument rating and had accumulated 75 total flight hours, had purchased the airplane three days before the accident.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that they could not see the airplane due to fog but heard it maneuvering overhead. The person who leases the field where the accident occurred stated that at the time of the impact, he could not see the lower strobe light of the 500-foot radio tower, which is located approximately 150 to 250 feet above ground level.
Weather Conditions
At 0653, the nearest weather observation facility reported wind from 360 degrees at 6 knots, an indefinite ceiling at 100 feet, visibility of 1/4 statute mile in fog, temperature and dew point both 43 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of Mercury.