Flight Planning
At 0555 EDT, a non-instrument rated pilot obtained a weather briefing for a flight from Limington, Maine to Pawling, New York. During the briefing, the pilot stated he was unsure when he would depart and that the decision depended on the weather. The briefer advised that, at that time, VFR flight was not recommended and that the pilot should obtain another briefing before departing.
Departure and Route
The pilot took off at approximately 0900 EDT. An en route refueling stop was made at Concord, New Hampshire. His route of flight was to the southwest along Victor 93.
Accident
When the aircraft was determined to be overdue, a search was initiated. The aircraft was later found where it crashed near the top of Mt. Monadnock at an elevation of approximately 2900 ft on a heading of 070.
Witness Observation
A witness in the vicinity saw an aircraft matching its description flying below a broken layer at about 2000 ft MSL. The witness stated he could see an overcast above the broken layer and that Mt. Monadnock was obscured by clouds most of the day.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preimpact, mechanical malfunction or failure.