SASLess
the problem with flying within VFR/SVFR Legal limits is its all great on paper but may not be reality in the field.
You could have 10 K vis in one area and 700 meters half a mile away.
You could have 2000 feet cloudbase in one area and 500 feet half a mile away.
Then we have the dreaded scud running, punching in and out of bits of mist cloud and getting quick glimpses of the ground or river.
At that point the river is very narrow so room for error is tiny ie a glance at a chart and the aircraft can easily not be on course.
Hit a patch of cloud/mist still thinking you are over clear air below the aircraft and its a rude awakening whn you are confronted with a building in front.
Instant reaction to turn away maybe seeing the main stem of a Crane but missing a thinner long arm unlighted conceiled by cloud mist.
My guess is that is what happened and the first the poor pilot realized turning away was a load crash as he hit the concealed arm.
Pace