Incident Overview
A non-instrument rated pilot conducted a telephone briefing for weather information but terminated the call upon receiving the requested data. According to personnel at the fixed-base operator (FBO), the pilot appeared and acted fatigued prior to departure at 0022 Eastern Standard Time.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft subsequently was reported missing. An airborne search commenced at 0700 and located the aircraft at 0730. A local resident reported hearing a crash at approximately 0100, but initially dismissed it as an automobile on a nearby road.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that low ceilings with fog and haze were present in the area at the time of the accident. Examination of the wreckage indicated that the aircraft had impacted terrain in a steep dive.
Conclusion
No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.