Pre-Flight and Weather
About an hour before the flight, the pilot reviewed the surface observation report for nearby Chico Municipal Airport (KCIC), located approximately 5 miles northeast. The report indicated an indefinite ceiling of 200 feet and visibility of 3 miles with fog and ground fog. The aviation routine weather report (METAR) issued near the time of the accident stated winds from 130 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 1 3/4 miles with mist, a 200-foot indefinite ceiling, and an altimeter setting of 30.25 inches of mercury.
Flight and Encounter with Fog
The pilot reported that visibility was good on the ground. After takeoff, as the airplane climbed, the pilot realized visibility dropped to zero. He turned the airplane around and attempted to return to the airport. He descended in an effort to get low enough under the fog to see the airport.
Accident
There were trees on the east side of the airport. The pilot tried to stay above them while looking for the runway. While flying a left downwind leg for runway 14 and turning base, the right wing struck a branch, and the airplane subsequently went down. The right wing and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane or engine.