19990412047619A

(.4) Prior to departed the pilot was distracted, and forgot to initialize his GPS. The GPS was initialized during climb out causing the pilot to doubt its accuracy. While operating over a valley between partially obscured mountains, the airplane encountered turbulence. Weather at the time was 3,000 feet overcast with no restrictions to visibility. With the airplane less then 500 feet from the base of the clouds, the pilot focused his attention inside the cockpit to tune radio's and confirm his positions using a map. During this period, the pilot let the airplane climb into the overcast. 'I was not paying attention and I was close to the base of the clouds.' The airplane entered the clouds and the severity of the turbulence increased. The pilot initiated a climb, and started a left turn to proceed back to the south to regain VMC, but during the turn, and approximately 3,200 feet MSL, the airplane struck a pine tree about 6 feet below its top. The pilot continued the climbing left turn, set the transponder to 7700, and transmitted a 'may day.' About 5 minutes later, the pilot regained VMC, and landed the airplane at without further incident. (-23) the following narrative was based on statements made by the pilot during an interview conducted at the allegheny FSDO on April 15, 1999, a review of ATC audio tapes, and an on scene investigation conducted by personnel of the allegheny FSDO. Mr. Edward p. steuber, holder of commercial pilot certificate #110407577, was conducting a VFR cross country flight from the shenandoah valley regional airport (shd), VA to st. marys airport (oym), PA on April 12, 1999 in a Grumman AA-5, N8764J. He was accompanied by one passenger, his fourteen year old son. Prior to departure from shd, the pilot obtained weather from a locally installed weather computer system. The enroute weather indicated marginal VFR conditions throughout his route of flight with IFR conditions in and around his destination. The forecast indicated weather improving to VFR conditions as the day continued. As the pilot taxied for takeoff, he intended to initialize his aircraft installed GPS at the end of the departure runway. However, due to an outside distraction, he was not able to initialize the GPS unti he was several miles from the airport. This put the course line he was about to fly several miles west of what he had planned to fly. In the vicinity of the pennsylvania/maryland border, they began to encounter moderate turbulence. His son was beginning to get upset at the rough flight, and the pilot attempted to find, and eventually entered smooth air. As they continued northbound, they again encountered increasing turbulence and lowering ceilings. Uncertain of their location and in an attempt to find a better route, the pilot adjusted the GPS. While the pilot was adjusting the GPS, the aircraft climbed into the overcast and encountered IMC. The pilot leveled the aircraft and began flight under IMC. The previously experienced turbulence was now increasing in intensity to the point of being severe. Also, the aircraft was beginning to accumulate ice on the wings. His son was getting more upset due to the rough flight conditions. The pilot, unsure of his exact position, but believing he was east of his planned course line, started a slow turn to the west then south to exit the turbulence, icing and IMC. During that left hand turn, the pilot saw a dark area to his right front. He accelerated his turn and unknowingly, began a slight descent. It was in that turn his screamed "trees, trees!". The pilot immediately started a climb, but not before flying through the tops of the trees. The, now very upset, pilot made a mayday call on 121.5 and was answered by an overflying canadian aircraft. The pilot of the canadian aircraft attempted to calm the pilot of the Grumman. The Grumman pilot asked for navigational guidance, but the canadian pilot could not provide any guidance. A few moments later, the pilot encountered VMC and determined his position to be in the vicinity of the bedford county airport (hmz), PA. He made visual contact with the field and proceeded there and landed without further incident.