Accident Summary
An aircraft crashed into White Oak Mountain approximately 10 miles northeast of the departure airport. The accident occurred about 75 feet below the mountain summit. The aircraft impacted in a nose-level, right-wing-low attitude. Examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical problems.
Flight Details
The pilot took off at approximately 0845. Before departure, he advised ground control that he planned to cruise "just around 1100, right under the deck." At 0853, radar service was terminated when the aircraft was 9 miles east of the airport. No further contact was made with the aircraft.
Weather Briefings
The pilot received two weather briefings before takeoff. During these briefings, he was provided flight precautions regarding instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) continuing beyond 0900 EST. He was also advised that mountains would be occasionally obscured and that icing could be expected to the west below 6000 feet. In both briefings, the pilot reported his intentions to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR); however, he did not file a flight plan. After his last briefing, he stated he would call back after reviewing his charts.
Local Conditions
Local residents reported low clouds that obscured the hill tops.