Flight Departure
The pilot departed under visual flight rules (VFR) without obtaining a formal weather briefing or filing a flight plan. At the time of departure, the weather at the destination was reported as VFR.
Weather Conditions
According to forecasts, ceilings were expected to lower. While the flight was en route, the weather indeed deteriorated, prompting the pilot to obtain an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance.
ATC Communications
Air traffic control observed the pilot making erratic right and left turns and queried him. The pilot responded that "everything was fine." Later, controllers noted the pilot was having difficulty navigating on the approach. Despite being questioned again, the pilot chose to continue the approach. The controller advised the pilot as the outer marker (OM) was passed. The pilot acknowledged, and no distress call was made.
Final Approach and Collision
Ground witnesses observed the aircraft below the overcast skies prior to the crash. The aircraft impacted terrain 1.1 miles inside the outer marker, colliding with trees, wires, and a residence. The aircraft and the residence were destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.