NYC01LA042

The non-instrument rated pilot stated that he obtained a weather briefing from flight service prior to departure, and the forecast was for marginal VFR conditions. About 1 hour into the flight, the pilot experienced deteriorating weather conditions, including lowering visibility and rain. He made a 180-degree turn and diverted to an airport. The pilot landed long on Runway 27, but did not want to go-around in the deteriorating weather conditions. The airplane traveled off the end of the runway, into a ditch. Review of the pilot's weather briefing revealed that he was advised of cloud layers up to 25,000 feet along his planned route of flight, and AIRMETs for IFR conditions. About the time of the accident, the reported weather at an airport approximately 25 miles away was: wind from 100 degrees at 11 knots; visibility 1 3/4 statute mile; light rain and mist; ceiling 500 feet broken, 3,300 feet overcast; temperature 39 degrees Fahrenheit, dewpoint 37 degrees; altimeter 29.92 inches Hg.

On November 25, 2000, at 1406 Eastern Standard Time, a Piper PA-28-161, N1305H, was substantially damaged while landing at Fremont Airport (14G), Fremont, Ohio. The certificated private pilot and two passengers were not injured, and a third passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (YNG), Youngstown, Ohio. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The non-instrument rated pilot stated that he departed YNG about 1245, and intended to fly from YNG to La Crosse, Wisconsin. He added that before departing YNG, he obtained a weather briefing from the Cleveland Automated Flight Service Station (FSS). The pilot further stated that the weather along the route of flight was forecasted as marginal visual flight rules (VFR).

After departing YNG, the pilot was able to maintain VFR by flying below a 4,000-foot ceiling. He added that light rain and mist decreased visibility. After passing Toledo, Ohio, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather, and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC. The pilot then made a 180-degree turn, and flew east.

The pilot stated that Fremont Airport was still visual meteorological conditions (VMC), so he flew a downwind, base, and final leg for Runway 27. Runway 27 was 4,137 feet long, and 60 feet wide. During landing, the airplane floated and touched down with approximately 2,000 feet of runway remaining. The pilot applied brakes, but the airplane traveled off the end of the runway, into a ditch.

The pilot stated that in retrospect, he should have performed a go-around. However, he did not want to go-around in the deteriorating weather conditions.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The inspector observed substantial damage to both wings, the propeller, and the landing gear.

Review of a tape recording from the Cleveland FSS revealed that the pilot did not request a full briefing. He telephoned the FSS about 1210, and advised he had stopped for fuel. He stated that he was viewing a computer at YNG, and observed precipitation along his planned route flight. The pilot told the FSS specialist that he planned to fly over the cloud layers en route, and his destination was VFR. The pilot then inquired as to the height of the cloud layers.

The FSS specialist advised the pilot that area forecasts were for cloud layers extending to 24,000 feet and 25,000 feet over Ohio and Indiana-Illinois respectively. He also provided pilot reports, current weather conditions, and current areas of precipitation. The specialist included that Toledo, Ohio was 2100 overcast, and a special report was issued because visibility had reduced to 1 1/4 miles with light rain. He added that the precipitation would move into the pilot's route of flight within an hour.

The pilot stated that he was going to attempt the flight. The specialist then advised the pilot of airmen meteorological information (AIRMETs) for instrument flight rules conditions in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

At 1416, the reported weather at TOL was: wind from 100 degrees at 11 knots; visibility 1 3/4 statute mile; light rain and mist; ceiling 500 feet broken, 3,300 feet overcast; temperature 39 degrees Fahrenheit, dewpoint 37 degrees; altimeter 29.92 inches Hg.