Incident Overview
According to the official investigation, the pilot received a weather briefing for the intended route and was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. Despite this, the aircraft departed from Vancouver, Washington, and flew to Tigard, Oregon. It was observed departing Tigard at approximately 1810 Pacific Daylight Time.
Witness Accounts
Numerous witnesses reported seeing an aircraft maneuvering at low altitude near a highway around 1815. They then observed the aircraft disappear while flying toward rising terrain. Approximately five minutes later, at about 1820, residents at or near the crest of the hills heard the sound of the crash.
Impact Details
The aircraft struck supporting guy wires for towers at a radio and television antenna farm. The impact occurred at an altitude of about 250 feet above ground level. According to reports, the towers were not visible due to clouds and fog at the time of the accident.
Investigation Findings
The investigation documented that the pilot had been briefed on adverse weather conditions along the route and that VFR flight was not recommended. The collision with the guy wires resulted from the aircraft flying into an area obscured by low clouds and fog.