Accident Summary
An aircraft collided with the side of a mountain while in level cruise. The accident occurred under weather conditions for which visual flight rules (VFR) flight had not been recommended. At the time of the impact, clouds were obscuring the mountains, reducing visibility of the terrain.
Flight Details
The aircraft was on the return leg of a cross-country flight. No flight plan had been filed for the trip. According to the aircraft's heading at the moment of impact, the pilot had turned onto a course that would have returned to an area where weather conditions permitted VFR flight.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions at the time were characterized by clouds that obscured the mountain peaks. VFR flight was not advised under the prevailing conditions, indicating low ceilings or reduced visibility that made navigation by visual references hazardous.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the aircraft flew into the mountain during level cruise. The flight's heading suggested the pilot was attempting to return to a region with better weather. No further causal factors were identified in the official source.