Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated pilot departed an airport under a special VFR clearance. Weather conditions at the time of departure were reported as 1,000 feet overcast, visibility 2.5 miles in light rain and fog. The aircraft turned eastbound, following a highway toward a pass in the hills to the east.
Collision with Terrain
While traversing the pass, the aircraft collided with rising terrain approximately midway through the pass. Witnesses driving on the highway reported that the pass was obscured in 'clouds, fog, and rain' at the time of the accident.
Investigation
The accident investigation did not explicitly state a probable cause. The pilot was not instrument rated, and the flight was conducted under special VFR clearance in marginal weather conditions. No further details are available from official sources.