Incident Details
A pilot reported that while maneuvering in flight over an airstrip to assess runway conditions, he encountered ground fog and very dark lighting. He circled the airstrip three or four times, maintaining sight of the rotating beacon and runway lights. However, he subsequently lost sight of the runway lights. As he passed by the rotating beacon and initiated a climb, he heard something strike the right wing. The pilot believed he was near the southwest end of the airport environment at the time.
Divert and Landing
Uncertain whether the object was a tree or a bird, the pilot decided against landing at the intended airstrip. He diverted to another airport located 42 nautical miles to the northeast. A landing was made there without further incident.
Damage Inspection
Post-flight inspection of the aircraft revealed that the right wing tip, including the outboard rib and approximately half of the right-side aileron, had been torn away.