On August 31, 2003, a Mooney M20C (registration N707JH) was involved in an aviation accident near Watsonville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the non-instrument rated pilot's intentional continuance of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated pilot struck trees and terrain while searching for an airport in instrument meteorological conditions, after being unable to see ground or a golf driving range lights due to fog.
Accident Overview
The accident occurred when the airplane collided with trees and terrain as the pilot was attempting to locate the airport in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot, who did not hold an instrument rating, had programmed the intended route into the moving map display of the onboard global positioning system (GPS) before departure for navigation.
Sequence of Events
After crossing mountains east of the airport, the pilot observed that the ground was obscured by fog. Continuing westward, he maneuvered the airplane over Monterey Bay and then circled back east toward the airport. While en route, he attempted to locate lights on a golf driving range situated about half a mile west of the airport, but was unable to see them. Subsequently, the airplane impacted mountainous terrain and came to rest in an oak tree.
Weather Conditions
Weather reports issued several minutes before the accident indicated overcast ceilings at 300 feet above ground level with visibility of 7 miles.