Five years earlier, the Apache pilot had been given a letter by his airline's chief pilot, reprimanding him for being late. This thought was almost certainly weighing heavily on the pilot's mind. A second attempt after a flawless but fruitless first approach is evidence of desperation. The density of the fog, as reported by flight service, right after the Apache's departure from Fort Myers, was unlikely to change during the ensuing 30-minute flight. Weather texts tell us that fog will tend to form at sunrise and can thicken shortly afterward as the sun's early rays evaporate surface dew and put more moisture into the air.
Light winds provide a gentle mixing and can thicken the fog layer.
The wind at Tampa that morning was easterly at 3 knots. The pilot had no reason to expect improving weather during the short time prior to arrival at Tampa and between subsequent approaches. I landing minimums. Timing and circumstances play a major role in our decision-making process. Certainly the pilot, in his airline role, had faced similar weather before and had diverted to alternates without hesitation.