Background
A private pilot was issued his certificate one week before the accident. He did not possess an instrument rating. After extensive discussions, flight planning, and weather analysis with the pilot, the fixed base operator agreed to rent an airplane for a planned cross-country flight under the condition that the pilot fly only in day visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and spend the night at an intermediate stop along his intended course.
Flight
Contrary to the agreement, the pilot landed at the planned stop, refueled, and then continued his flight over mountainous terrain. He flew in night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not authorized by the rental agreement or his qualifications.
Discovery
The wreckage was discovered in mountainous terrain 16 months after the accident. The crash site was at an elevation of 4,500 feet on a mountain with a peak elevation of 4,689 feet.
Weather
On the night of the accident, cloud ceilings in the area were measured between 2,700 feet and 4,000 feet mean sea level, with visibility reduced by rain showers and fog.