What happened
While approaching a destination airport situated within a narrow river valley, the pilot encountered unexpected weather conditions. Although the surrounding region was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFL) with clear skies and high visibility, a dense layer of fog, measuring approximately 200 to 250 feet in thickness, had settled over the airfield. Because the airport is non-controlled and lacks instrument approach procedures, the pilot was required to maintain visual contact with the terrain.
Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude along the valley floor before entering the localized fog bank. As the flight neared the airport, the pilot attempted to increase altitude to clear the surrounding landscape. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees on the ascending terrain. The repeated impacts with the vegetation caused enough structural damage to the aircraft that it subsequently descended into the ground.
Findings
An investigation of the engines and the airframe following the accident revealed no signs of mechanical malfunction or engine failure. The primary factor in the accident was the impact with trees during a low-level maneuver in fog.