Accident Details
The aircraft impacted terrain in an area of rising elevation, striking at approximately the 1800-foot level. About one mile from the crash site, the ridge line rose to an elevation of 2500 feet.
Weather Conditions
When the aircraft was observed overflying Rockwood Airport, roughly three miles from the accident site, the ceiling was about 1200 feet and visibility was estimated at three miles. The aircraft was flying at approximately 800 feet above ground level on a heading of about 315 degrees. It then crashed on a heading of about 150 degrees in a steep descent.
Pilot Actions
The pilot had delayed his departure because of the weather. When he departed, he told his listeners that the weather had improved so it was okay to go. They later believed that he was referring to the destination weather, as the en route weather still had not improved.