Primary finding
Probable cause
The improper weather evaluation by the non-instrument-rated pilot, and the subsequent VFR flight into instrument meteorologial conditions, resulting in a collision with the terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he received a weather briefing from the flight service station, which did not predict conditions. He arrived at his destination, but he could not locate the airport because of 'fog'. He circled the area and saw a field. As he maneuvered lower and lower over this field, the airplane collided with the terrain. The weather reported at his destination at the time of the accident was 200 feet overcast with no fog. Thee pilot did not possess an instrument rating. He stated that therw were o mechanical difficulties with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Tuesday, August 10, 1993, at 2050 eastern daylight time, an Aircoupe 415D, CFJUB, registered in Canada to and piloted by Paul Winterhalder, sustained substantial damage when it collided with the terrain near Rockland, Maine. The pilot received minor injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91. The pilot was attempting to land at the Knox County Regional Airport, Rockland, Maine. When he flew over the airport, the runways were obscured by fog. He said that he saw a field and began to maneuver over it in an attempt to find the runway. While maneuvering at low altitude, the airplane inadvertently contacted the terrain. -