Accident Sequence
According to radar data and witness accounts, the airplane entered the airport traffic pattern and attempted to land on the runway. The pilot then executed a go-around, performed a climbing right turn, and impacted trees and terrain shortly thereafter.
Weather and Pilot Factors
The weather conditions reported around the time of the accident included 1/8 to 1/4 mile visibility in fog. The pilot did not hold an instrument rating.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunctions.
Regulatory Guidance
With regard to night-flight in poor or marginal weather conditions, the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) states: "The pilot flying under [visual flight rules] VFR must exercise caution to avoid flying into clouds or a layer of fog.… Remember that if a descent must be made through fog, smoke, or haze in order to land, the horizontal visibility is considerably less then when looking through the restriction than it is when looking straight down through it from above. Under no circumstances should a VFR night-flight be made during poor or marginal weather conditions unless both the pilot and the aircraft are certificated and equipped for flight under instrument flight rules (IFR)."