Pilot Loses Visual Reference in Ground Fog and Strikes Tree During Go-Around (N5363P)

Accident Sequence

As the airplane approached the destination airport at night, the pilot canceled the instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. While on final approach, the airplane entered a dense ground fog bank approximately 100 feet above ground level and about one-quarter mile from the runway threshold. The pilot lost visual contact with the runway environment when the airplane's landing light reflected off the fog, causing temporary blindness. The pilot initiated a go-around, but moments later the airplane struck a tree and impacted terrain.

Weather Information

The pilot reported obtaining the current Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) report minutes before the accident, which indicated the field was within visual flight rules (VFR) parameters. The pilot was also aware of the possibility of ground fog. The meteorological aerodrome report (METAR) for the time of the accident included 1 statute mile visibility in fog and vertical visibility of 100 feet. The METARs for the preceding four hours showed visibility equal to or less than 2 miles due to fog and mist.