Amateur-built Pitts S-1D N511MD accident near Ridgely, Maryland

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight weather evaluation which resulted in an attempted landing in fog and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

During an attempted landing in fog at an uncontrolled airport, when the airplane impacted terrain. The pilot did not hold a valid Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate and did not possess an instrument rating. The airplane was unregistered, and was not equipped for flight in instrument conditions. The pilot had departed the airport sometime after 1800 eastern daylight time on the day of the accident, and returned to the airport approximately one hour later just prior to sunset. Preceding the departure a small temperature dew point spread existed, and the wind velocity had decreased until the wind was calm. During the accident flight, the temperature and dew point spread converged, which resulted in the formation of fog. No record of the pilot having received a weather briefing prior to the flight was discovered.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08LA310 for the full record.