Flight Details
The pilot, holding an instrument rating and a private pilot certificate, was monitoring weather conditions at his intended destination during the flight. He assessed the weather and runway conditions and decided to conduct a global positioning system (GPS) instrument approach to a known closed runway, with the intention of circling to a different runway after breaking out.
Approach and Landing Attempt
As the airplane neared the missed approach point, the pilot established visual contact with the airport's runway environment and canceled his instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance. Entering the left downwind leg of the traffic pattern for his intended runway, he noticed that the first portion of the runway was obscured by fog, with visibility reported as 0.75 of a mile and light snow falling. Observing at least 5,000 feet of clear runway beyond the fog, the pilot opted to land just past the fog bank. However, prior to touchdown, he concluded that insufficient runway length remained for a safe landing and initiated a go-around by applying power, pitching up, and retracting the landing gear.
Go-Around and Impact
During the go-around, the pilot focused his attention outside the cockpit but had no horizon reference in the dark night conditions. He heard the stall warning and realized that the aircraft was not climbing. The pilot then pitched the nose down and observed only snow and trees ahead. Unable to climb over the trees, the airplane subsequently impacted trees and terrain, coming to rest upright in a wooded, snow-covered field. The pilot stated that there were no anomalies with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. No further analysis or conclusions are provided beyond the stated cause.