Background
Before departure, the pilot obtained two weather briefings and was advised that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. Despite this advisory, the pilot departed at 1730.
Flight Details
During the flight, the pilot made several requests for en route weather information from the Las Vegas Flight Watch. At 1945, the pilot declared an emergency and reported that he was lost. He stated that he was in and out of the clouds at 6500 feet mean sea level (MSL) and believed he was over the Colorado River.
Emergency Declaration
Air traffic control (ATC) had difficulty identifying the aircraft due to its low altitude over mountainous terrain. At 2015, the pilot was advised that his position was 42 miles east of Needles, California. The pilot reported tracking a heading of 260 degrees toward Needles while detouring around clouds.
The last communication with the pilot occurred at 2023, when he stated that he had almost hit a mountain, had to descend, and was turning back.
Collision
Subsequently, the aircraft collided with a 45-degree slope at an elevation of 6500 feet MSL.