Background
The pilot of the accident aircraft was not instrument rated. He departed Springfield, Missouri, with a ceiling of approximately 300-400 feet above ground level (AGL). The flight proceeded to Cookeville, Tennessee, where the pilot landed, received a weather briefing, and refueled.
Weather Briefing
During the briefing with a Flight Service Station (FSS) specialist, the pilot stated that he had deviated south of his originally planned course because of weather and wished to extend his flight plan. The briefer advised that VFR flight was not recommended along the route of flight due to rainshowers, low ceilings, and low visibilities. At the time, Cookeville was reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions, but instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions were forecast along the route as deteriorating weather moved south. The weather in the area of the accident at the time of occurrence was reported as marginal.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft impacted trees and came to rest approximately 400 feet downslope from the top of Clinch Mountain. The specific aircraft type, registration, and number of occupants were not specified in the source material.