Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to check weather prior to the flight. A factor was the dark night.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight was 5 miles east of douglas, when the pilot encountered moderate rain showers and thunderstorm activity. The pilot continued the flight to DOUGLAS and attempted two landings. After the second attempt, the pilot abandoned efforts to land at DOUGLAS and departed to alma. Rain reduced the pilot's ability to maintain visual contact, therefore, after locating a lighted prominent landmark, the pilot landed in a nearby plowed field. The airplane sustained substantial structural damage when the airplane collided with a ditch. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane. The pilot also did not receive a weather briefing prior to the flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
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